Disclaimer: I don't own anything! I'm tired of writing this…
A/N: Thank you for all my reviews (bows)! Oh and there will be a new character introduced in this chapter, just to let you know, some characters are OOC. Sorry if this chapter is too slow. Okie, lets get to the next chapter.
::.Chapter Five.::
BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
The alarm sang through the morning quiet, but it wasn't enough to wake the two sleeping forms. Naomi jumped up and down on the bed, entertaining herself while her parents slept (besides, Maria would never let her do this). Hopping up and down, Naomi –accidentally- caught Tidus's hand with her foot, causing him to yelp in pain.
"Oops."
Tidus looked down with blurry, morning eyes as a form shifted slightly beneath him. Rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand, he looked down at the moving figure beneath him, thinking back to last night. Two-toned eyes shot open at the same time, meeting familiar ocean blues. Both gave horrified expressions, as slowly their gazes met their entwined legs and arms, bodies so close they could feel each other's heat. Through their haste, the alarm clock was knocked aside, finally it's incessant beeping had stopped. Scrambling as far away from each other as they could, Yuna standing by the door, Tidus bracing himself against a wall on the opposite side, they panted heavily as if they'd just seen a horror movie.
'His arm was around my---'
'Her legs were touching my---'
Naomi ducked behind a small end table throughout the whole horrific episode and looked back at Tidus and then to Yuna. Laughing nervously, Naomi waved slightly towards them, letting them acknowledge her presence. Two sets of eyes lowered to the little girl, and a rush of knowledge of what had happened previously, flooded them.
Tidus rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "Um…mommy and daddy just saw a spider…that's all." He explained, giving a simple answer that he knew the child could comprehend and accept.
"Oh. Was it big and hairy? I don't like spiders either, they scare me."
"Uh…yeah."
"Uh, Naomi why don't you go downstairs and tell Maria what you want for breakfast." Yuna smiled softly and placed an affectionate kiss on her cheek, boy was she happy her little girl was so compliant. Over the little time that Yuna had been there, she had already made a good connection with Naomi, but she still worried of Tidus's lack of communication towards the girl.
"She's…a good girl…huh?" Tidus asked, tentatively trying to break the silence.
Yuna nodded slowly, averting her eyes from his. Suddenly feeling self-conscious, she rubbed her bare arms, and folded her hands around herself. The phone rang breaking the silence, sending both Yuna and Tidus diving to answer it. Clasping the phone in between them, they both let go after realizing their hands were touching. Pressing 'speaker phone', Tidus answered first.
"Hello?"
"Hey Shuee! It's Rikku!" Tidus shuddered at the new nickname and made a mental note to stop Rikku from calling him that in public. Yuna snorted at him and decided she would tease him about it later.
"Where's Lennie? I have to talk to her."
"She's here."
"Why do you sound so hoarse?" Rikku asked inquisitively. Gee, she doesn't miss a thing does she? Tidus thought.
"Actually we just got out of bed." Tidus stated.
"Ooooooooh! I see…" Rikku giggled quietly.
"Hey Rikku! It was nothing like that!" Yuna quickly added, justifying Tidus's simple remark.
"Sure…" Yuna could feel her mischievous smile through the phone. Tidus and Yuna were blushing uncontrollably now, thinking back to what actually happened just moments ago.
"Hey, you guys there?" Rikku sounded worried. By all means, this girl was anything but antisocial.
"Yeah." They both answered at the same time.
"'Kay. Hey Lennie, lets go shopping today! Just you, me, Shuee and the mall!"
"Um…we'll think about it." Tidus said, hoping to dissuade both Yuna and Rikku.
"No way Shuee! You're coming whether you like it or not! Besides do you really wanna pass up a chance seeing Lennie trying on outfits? Hmmm?" Rikku was more persuasive than he thought. What he really wanted to see, was Rikku trying on outfits…
"Rikku! There's a little something called shame!" Yuna cut-in, horribly embarrassed.
Rikku's laughter could be heard on the other end. "Just be ready by 3:00!" Yuna clicked the phone off.
:::Carminvelle Mall, 4:15:::
"Come on Lennie! Let's go in here." Rikku pulled Yuna's arm, urging her to go in the store. Yuna looked up at the store's sign. 'Lily's Little Secret' huh? Sounds…interesting…,Yuna thought. Frankly, Yuna as well as Tidus were getting tired of shopping around with Rikku. Yuna couldn't find anything she liked, especially since Rikku kept hassling her into wearing more 'revealing' clothes and Tidus sure wasn't getting any action. Shopping was never one of his most favored past-times.
Picking up a dark red dress, Rikku ushered Yuna into a dress room, and since she was too tired to put up a fight, Yuna went in anyway.
Yuna shrieked from inside the change room, "Rikku, I can't wear this!"
Rikku giggled a bit, "Come on Lennie! Shuyin will want to ravish you in that!"
"Like I said, I can't wear this!" Yuna repeated, giggling quietly.
Tidus was grateful Rikku actually called him by his name. Perking up just slightly at what Rikku said, Tidus wondered what it was his wife was trying on.
"Just put it on, Lennie!"
Yuna shook her head wearily; there was no arguing with Rikku.
Yuna stepped out moments later, wearing a maroon, strapless dress that stopped just ¾ way down her thighs. It was quite beautiful; she had to admit but way too revealing for her taste, for a dress anyway. A pattern of black, thin velvet vines and flowers was imprinted on the maroon dress, giving it an elegant look. But the thing Yuna didn't like in particular was the upper half, which was set up much like a corset or bodice. It had tie-up laces at the back instead though, to 'enhance the figure' as the label said, but Yuna didn't want to enhance anything much less her chest, especially in front of Tidus. Covering herself with the small dress shawl to match, and blushing slightly she didn't dare look at him.
"Lennie! Stop covering yourself up, how are we supposed to see how it fits on you?"
Yuna was going to murder Rikku after this.
"Uh…I-I don't like it Rikku. It's too expensive---'
"Nonsense! You look so nice! You're getting this dress, ok." Rikku said it more like a demand than a question.
"You look…nice." Tidus added quietly, as if to reassure her, causing her to feel even more self-conscious in front of him as she blushed.
"Oooh! Look at that blue skirt! Dontcha think that'll look good on me!? I'll go try it on." Rikku quickly ran to the direction of the skirt, leaving Yuna helpless. She couldn't get the dress off because of the straps at the back. Yuna looked over at Rikku, who was fighting with a lady, who supposedly took 'her' skirt. Fighting for a skirt…count on Rikku to make a scene, Yuna thought as she saw practically all the store assistants and manager circle around the two fighting customers.
Yuna fiddled with the straps, fighting with the dress unsuccessfully. She stopped at the sound of Tidus chuckling lightly, and froze when he came close to her.
"I'll help before you make a total fool of yourself."
Yuna was too surprised to make a comment back. She felt his breath at the back of her neck, and her cheeks stained with a light pink as she felt his hands brush lightly against her skin. If she didn't feel so uncomfortable herself, she would've noticed Tidus fumbling with the ties.
"Um…thanks." Yuna quickly said, and rushed into the change room.
"Can we go now?" Tidus and Yuna asked impatiently.
"No. Come on now, we didn't even get anything to eat!" Rikku argued back.
Tidus and Rikku watched as Yuna gasped and ran forward to a man somewhere near the 'Clever Clam – Seafood Deli'. The blonde- haired man smiled serenely at the sight of Yuna and embraced her in a friendly manner.
Yuna punched him playfully in the arm, "Can't even come over to visit anymore, Cloud?"
Yuna crossed her arms and feigned a scowl. He laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well…hey! What are you doing here anyway?" Cloud asked, completely changing the subject.
"What do you mean? I'm not allowed to go to the mall anymore?" Yuna questioned.
"Not in that!" Cloud said, addressing her attire. A white tank top that showed her light pink, belly button stud, and a medium length pink skirt, complete with red flip-flops and a silver anklet. Yuna was happy to wear regular clothes for once instead of the formal gowns and outfits she had to wear. Afterall, wouldn't she and Tidus look weird wearing a gown and a tux to the mall?
Cloud was always so overprotective of her. They were friends since grade 5 (well he was in grade 5, she was in grade 3), but nothing more. He acted like a surrogate father or brother to her, never keeping her out of his sight. He was even so bad as to pretend he was her boyfriend when she brought a guy home with her. Cloud happened to be best friends with Yuna and her brother. Sometimes, even Squall would tell him to keep an eye on her.
"What's wrong with what I'm wearing!"
"You're advertising too much! See, that guy's eyeing you, Yuna. Put this on." He handed her his jacket. Yuna slapped him on the arm, and smiled at his antics. Yuna turned around noticing Tidus and Rikku were heading her way. She looked back at Cloud, "Cloud, when they come," she pointed to the two nearby "just play along ok? Please nothing embarrassing. And, call me Lenne, please don't ask questions, just do it 'kay? I'll explain everything later."
Cloud gave her a strange look but nodded.
"Lenne, honey who is he?" Tidus questioned, Yuna noted the difference in his voice. Is he jealous?
Yuna took Tidus's hands in hers, urging him to play along as well. "Remember Cloud, dear? The one I've been telling you so much about, my friend?" Yuna exaggerated the word, giving him a clue. Tidus and Cloud had never actually met before, which was strange because they were both her brother's best friends.
"Right." Tidus sounded so fake right now, was he annoyed or something?
"Rikku, this is Cloud." Yuna introduced.
Cloud shook her hand, and Rikku looked at him skeptically.
"Hey, have…have I met you before?" Rikku questioned.
Yuna shot him a 'pretend you never saw her in your life' look. "Actually…no. I just came here visiting, it's my first time here."
Yuna inwardly chuckled, He always overdoes it. "Lenne and I…have been friends for a long time."
Tidus seemed to be off in his own world the whole time. Yuna elbowed Tidus in the stomach, "And this is Shuyin, my husband." Cloud wiped the horrified look off his face before Yuna slapped him for messing up. Cloud nodded his way, and Yuna could tell from past experiences, Cloud was studying Tidus for any flaws. If Cloud had a choice at all, he wouldn't even let Yuna socialize with men, but I guess he couldn't keep her locked in a closet her whole life either.
"Yeah, well nice meeting you. We gotta go now." Tidus hastily said before grabbing Yuna's hand, and heading away. Yuna waved quickly and looked at Tidus inquisitively. Rikku yelled to them, sensing they needed some 'alone time' saying she would shop for a little more.
When they were out of sight, Yuna pulled her hand away from his grasp. "What is wrong with you!?"
"Nothing except the fact that my wife was with another man."
"I told you, he is my friend! What more do you have to worry about!"
"You hugging another man –whose not your husband- looks bad, especially in front of Rikku, is all I'm saying."
"Are you…jealous?"
"Oh please Yuna! What do I have to be jealous of? I am waayyyy hotter than him anyway."
"So your scared that your wife is gonna leave you for another man? Gee Tidus, I thought you were more secure about stuff like that." Yuna said, shaking her head.
"Like I'm scared of losing you. Someone can take you anytime, I don't care. I'm just saying, it doesn't look good for you to be with someone else when you're married."
"He's my friend Tidus! I love him like a brother for heaven's sake!" Yuna argued back.
Tidus walked up to their red sports car, apparently, Shuyin had just as good taste as he did.
"Tidus, are you mad at me? Why are you mad at me?" Yuna twisted around him and snatched the keys from his hand and placed it in her back pocket, looking pleased she finally got his attention.
"Now that we can talk, why are you mad at me?"
"I'M NOT MAD AT YOU."
"Then why are you yelling?"
"Just give me the keys before I get them myself."
"You wouldn't dare." Yuna smiled mischievously but her smile soon faded as she saw the 'no fooling around' look on his face. He wouldn't just put his hand in her back pocket! Would he…?
"Can't I get a day without being frisked?" Yuna joked while backing away slightly, Tidus chuckled a little. Yuna inwardly smiled, she made him laugh again.
"If you're not mad then, I'll go pay him a visit. Besides, I'm tired of being cooped up in that stuffy mansion, I need time to spend with my friends."
"You can go home, and I'll go back to Cloud's house in his car." Yuna instructed.
"Alone?"
"Yea, why?"
"Nothing. I just think, maybe I should go too. I mean, I don't know this guy, and apparently, he's my best friend's friend." Even to Tidus, that excuse sounded lame.
Yuna gave him a strange look, "You don't need to go."
"Well, why shouldn't I?"
Yuna just shrugged and started walking towards the direction of the mall with Tidus following close behind.
"If you're coming too, we have to bring Naomi."
Tidus gave her a questioning glance. "Tidus, the poor girl has hardly been out of the house, and if we're her parents, we might as well be good ones. You need to spend more time with her anyway."
"You're bringing our child to a stranger's house?" Tidus asked skeptically, trying to reason with her.
"First of all, he's not a stranger. He's been my best friend since I was 8, and secondly, he doesn't live in a house, he lives in a condo suite." Yuna gave him a fleeting glance and smiled widely when she noticed Tidus shaking his head wearily, a small smile creeping onto his lips.
○♥○
"She's a cute kid. Whose is she?" Cloud asked as he lifted Naomi into the air, tickling her sides. Cloud was always good with children, he practically helped Squall raise Yuna.
"Ours." Both Yuna and Tidus answered simultaneously.
Cloud nearly dropped the little girl and gave Yuna a 'this better be a joke, otherwise you're dead!' look.
"It's getting late. It's her bedtime already. Cloud, do you mind if she sleeps here, until we leave? She's practically falling asleep in your arms." Yuna asked. Cloud gave her an astounded look; she's sounding so much like a mother already! He nodded and Yuna handed the child over to Tidus.
Tidus seemed hesitant; after all he never had much experience with children. But when Naomi snuggled closer in his hold, he felt a little more confident, Naomi seemed to always have a good bond with her father, even if he wasn't really her father. Tidus walked to the room with the sleeping girl in his arms.
Meanwhile…
"You have some explaining to do, Nya." Everyone has a nickname for me in this makeshift family! Yuna thought. But she smiled despite herself, at the nickname Cloud had always branded her as. When she was little, Cloud used to read a book about Spiran myths, and there was this one female warrior/enchantress called Nya. He'd always say she was just like her because, "You're innocent-looking but, when it's time to fight, you're ready" or so he'd say. And he was completely right! Yuna didn't take anything from anyone, but was sensible enough not to start trouble without reason.
"Okay, well Dona –my boss- sent me and Tidus on this case to find out more about the Anizans', but when we got there, they thought we were their son and daughter who came back from a business trip. Now we have to pretend like we are the 'real' Anizan couple so that we can learn more about them. We never wanted to do this, since we hate each other with a passion, but Dona has her ways and Naomi…"
"You follow?" Yuna asked after noticing the far-out look on his face.
"My Nya is married?!" Cloud exaggerated the word, but made sure he was quiet about it. He crossed his arms and looked at Yuna carefully. He could crack any secret from Yuna with that look.
Yuna rubbed her arm in a nervous manner, and laughed a little. "Cloud stop it! I know that look, believe me, we didn't do anything. We…hate…each…other!" Yuna worded slowly and deliberately.
"Hmm…you pass. Just be careful is all I'm saying. I know you can handle this, just be aware of everything. Does Squall know?"
"No."
Cloud chuckled and hugged Yuna, "So much trouble for a little girl to deal with." Cloud ruffled her hair a bit and smiled at her familiar annoyed look.
Fixing her hair, Yuna retaliated, "I'm not a little girl, Cloud. I'm a woman now!"
Cloud shrugged and put his arm around her shoulder. "But that Tidus guy, doesn't seem so bad."
"Shut up Cloud!"
Cloud laughed a little, he always liked teasing her, especially since he knew she didn't like Tidus.
"I'm gonna miss you. You better come over sometime, or at least call!" Yuna put her hands on her hips.
"You might be seeing more of me than you think. That girl –Rikku, is it?- invited me to a ball, you're coming too. Actually it's being held for you two. You weren't supposed to know about it, but I thought I'd warn you."
"Really?" Yuna asked half-interested. "Cloud, thanks for being such a good friend." Yuna embraced him, and yawned in his arms.
"No worries, you can make up for it later." Cloud smirked at his teasing remark, and got ready to be punched and yelled at, he was always a flirt. But when no response came, he smiled softly as he saw her asleep. He picked her up gently, " Like mother, like daughter."
○♥○
A/N: This chapter was made longer by request, hope you enjoyed it, even if I think it was too slow. Thank you for my reviews again! Hehe, for some reason I didn't think people would like the last chapter but I guess I'm my worst critic! Oh and what do you think about Cloud? Don't worry, as Yuna said, he's just a friend. Please R&R and I'll see about your requests…I haven't let you guys down yet, right? Sorry for the delay also.