A/N: Fin-a-lee! I got offa my lazy bottom and wrote dis chappie! Omigersh! I made it to the double-digit chapters! (loud gasp) Thanks to all reviewers who inspire me to continue! (light sobs)

Thankies for reviewing everyone!
Mako, hehe… Red and Cid. O-Oh dear. O.o
Celestial, I'm glad you really like it! (smile)
Tiramisu, thanks for pointing that out. (rubs eyes) My old eyes aren't working good nowadays. (sweatdrop) Hehe, Barret's a dadmom. (more sweatdrops)
Meralhi, I've seen Vincent in a bathing suit on the cover of a doujinshi I saw… omigosh! (drool) I have been inspired! (shiny eyes) I'm glad you like my story!

Disclaimer: (flaps arms around) Nooothing nothing…

My Little Star
Chapter Ten

It's My Birthday!

Finally! The day of my birthday had finally arrived! Papa cooked me the most yummiest breakfast ever (homemade waffles, with bacon and sunny-side up!), and practically hugged me for the next hour or so. I was finally five-years-old! That's a whole hand! I happily skipped around the house and noticed the bright blue skies through the window. It was a perfect day to go to the beach! I just hoped that there wasn't going to be too much people there. I took another glance outside and noticed a huge crowd in the middle of Kalm. How could I have forgotten? This was also the day of the Silver Chocobo Festival! Tad had told me that a lot of people gather up to the place where the silver feather last came to ('cause there was a chance it could actually return here). So, there weren't going to be many people in Costa del Sol! I shook my fists around and grinned in victory. But, I admit that I really hoped the silver feather wasn't going to come to Kalm. There could be a chance it would arrive at my party! I would really love that!

I hopped away from the window and tugged Papa's sleeve. He looked down and pointed to the phone placed on his ear. I covered my mouth and sat next to him on the couch. It kind of sounded like he was talking to Uncle Cid… what with all the yelling. Papa laughed and said,

"Still workin' on The Sierra I see, eh? Well, you know what you havetah do later."

I tilted my head at that. Do…what? I drummed my fingers on the armrest and tried to listen to the conversation, but Papa had already finished talking.

"Papa? What were you talking about?" I wondered.

"Oh, Cid said he would do the honor of taking all your guests to Costa del Sol!" he smirked at that. "Since he is such a good guy and all."

I smiled nervously and cleared my throat. "And, how are we going to get there without Uncle Cid's help?"

"Shera will be flying us there with the Tiny Bronco. We still need to prepare," Papa kneeled down in front of me. "So, getcher new outfit on and gather your beach stuff. They should be in your closet."

"Okay!"

I ran up the stairs and dashed straight to my room. I opened my closet doors and immediately spotted my blue dress. My eyes glanced around, finally noticing my new bathing suit neatly folded up on the shelf. I squealed and plucked it right out. Since when had Papa bought me a new swimsuit? It was a solid light pink color and it had a picture of a Chocobo in front (it kind of looked like Raizon…). I hugged the suit tightly and thanked Papa silently. I placed the swimsuit on my bed and slowly put on my blue dress. It actually felt really comfortable than my pink one. I twirled around, making my dress poof up in the air. Then, I skipped around my room and opened my windows. A huge gust of wind blew across me, as well as the sound of people talking to others. The Silver Chocobo Festival sure was getting underway. Pretty traditional-looking torches were surrounding Kalm and I noticed booths for food, games, and such, were forming on the bottom level. I sighed to myself. Whatever happened to the last couple that received the silver feather? I shook my head at that thought. Now wasn't the time to let my mind wander! I gathered up my beach things and headed down to the living room.

There, I met Shera. And… she wasn't wearing her lab coat anymore! Every time I saw her (which was rarely, but I still remember), she always had her white coat on. But now, she was wearing a light blue tank top and shorts. I smiled and greeted Shera with a hug. She smiled and did the same.

"Happy Birthday, Marlene! My, you look so adorable in your new outfit!" she said happily.

I placed my hands behind my back. "Thank you! And, I'm so glad that you could come as well!"

"Yeah, Cid said he wanted me to come. Strange… he was acting funny when he said that. But, I would never miss your birthday!"

I blushed and giggled strangely. Papa suddenly came into the room with two beach bags. His was practically filled to the top. He placed the bags on the ground as he filled the empty bag with my things. A loud sigh escaped from his mouth as he made a fist in front.

"This is the day I'll beat the Cloud Team!"

I blinked. "the… 'Cloud Team'?"

"Shyeah! Last time we went to the beach, Cloud, Tifa, and Yuffie beat me without even flinching! And I was stuck with Vincent, and Cid. What the heck! You're supposed to hit the ball… not run away from it!"

Shera giggled. "I'll be rooting for you then."

"Me too!" I squealed.

"Well then," Shera opened the front door and turned to us. "You guys ready for Costa del Sol?"

I smiled and nodded my head. "Yes!" At long last! I could finally see how Costa del Sol actually looked like up close and personal!

The trip there was really short, but I enjoyed it a lot! From above, Kalm was looking so lively! The torches were already lit (in the morning?) and if you squinted real hard, you can see that the flames actually formed into a Chocobo! So cute! I also noticed that the other towns were getting lively as well. As soon as we arrived in Costa del Sol, it was incredibly hot! I felt like I was gonna melt if I stood in one place. But, Papa said that once you got used to it, you wouldn't feel hot anymore.

We finally entered through the gates. There weren't a lot of people… just as I suspected! I twirled around as people from inside the building greeted me with smiles. Costa del Sol looked so much fun! I couldn't wait to jump into that clear ocean! But, Papa said we had to prepare first.

We headed inside the bar where the owner helped us move a few tables together. I helped Shera put up the pretty streamers she brought as Papa was busy placing table sheets on the tables. I think we spent a good two hours inside, but the results were amazing! Finally, we headed outside and rested on top of the bridge. The cool breeze felt so nice, I just wanted to stay there forever. I turned to Papa who was busy hanging his head over the bridge. He must've been exhausted. I quirked an eyebrow up and tapped his shoulder.

"Papa! Is it okay if I look around for a while?"

He just mumbled in response. I made a face and sighed. Shera patted my head and smiled. "I'll come with you, Marlene."

"Ah! Thank you!"

I tugged Shera to where some kids were playing volleyball. I actually never played it before, but it seemed so much fun! Maybe I could play with Papa and everyone else later! That reminded me…

"Shera? When is everyone going to come?"

She lifted her arm and stared at her watch. "Well, they should be arriving pretty soon. It's almost three."

"Ah, okay!" I paused then turned to Shera again. "Have you ever heard of the Silver Chocobo?"

She smiled. "Oh, yes! I remember ten years ago… I was visiting a friend in Kalm. I had no idea that there was a festival going on. So, she told me all about it. And then, that night, I saw it fluttering down to that couple," she sighed and had a dreamy look in her eyes. "I wish something romantic like that would happen."

"Maybe it'll come for you tonight!"

Shera blushed and flapped her hands around. "O-Oh, t-that's not possible."

I sighed and shrugged my shoulders. I think it was obvious that Shera and Uncle Cid both liked each other. I paused and turned away. Now, that got me to wonder. The feather only comes to those that don't even seem like a couple. I smiled at the thought. It could possibly happen. I shook out of my thoughts and tugged Shera into the shade (she was busy daydreaming). The feather may not come to me, but I would love to see it fluttering down.

A gust of wind suddenly formed, revealing the Highwind landing off in the distance. I gasped and tugged Shera to Papa. He seemed to notice the airship as well. Soon, everyone that I had invited entered the gates of Costa del Sol. Tifa and Cloud were the first to greet me.

"Marlene! Happy Birthday! Oh my gosh! You look so adorable!" Tifa hugged me tight.

I gasped for air. "T-Thank you, T-Tifa! I really missed you too!"

Cloud smiled and patted my head. "You sure are growing up fast! Why, I remember when you were still in diapers…"

I blushed and gently punched his shoulder. "C-Cloud!"

"So, this is the birthday munchkin, eh?" A man with red hair lifted me up from the back. I kicked around while he was busy laughing. I had a really huge hunch that he was the Turks. He finally set me down and crouched down. "Yo! I'm Reno."

I made a face. "Nice to meet you…" I mumbled. He just patted my head and gestured his friends to come in. A woman with short blonde hair greeted me with a kiss on the cheek while a tall man nodded his head. I twirled around and found myself face-to-face with…

"Uncle Vincent!" I immediately wrapped my arms around his neck as he stood up. "I missed you so much!"

He patted my back and replied, "Happy Birthday, Marlene."

That's when I noticed something. He was wearing different clothing. He was had a white on T-shirt with a picture of a dragon on it, and he was wearing his usual black pants (wasn't he hot wearing those?). Also, it didn't look like he brought any beach things. I shrugged it off. That's Uncle Vincent! I leaned over his shoulder and spotted Nanaki, Yuffie, Cait, and even Tran and his friends! But… I didn't see Damian at all. I frowned and hung my head over. I guess… he wasn't coming after all. Uncle Vincent set me on the ground and walked toward Papa.

"Happy, happy birthday!"

I smiled nervously at Cait Sith. "H-Hey…"

"Meowr! You shouldn't be nervous in front of me!"

I lifted the black cat and shook him around. "I. Am. Not. Nervous! You're just… very weird!"

"Aw, don't worry 'bout him," Yuffie snickered and placed the cat on Nanaki's back. "He's just being a poopy head!"

"No! You're the poopy head!"

Nanaki sighed and bowed his head. "Sorry, they were arguing earlier," he lifted his head and smiled. "Happy Birthday."

"Thanks you guys," I turned to Tran. "I'm really glad you could come too!"

He brushed the tip of his nose. "Aw, it was nothing. Didn't wanna miss Damian's girlfriend's party!"

I sighed. He was getting so annoying now. "Yeah… anyway. Do you know where Damian is?"

"Well, actually… he said… he'll come in a little later."

I widened my eyes at that. "R-Really? H-He's really coming?"

"…ye-"

"Yippeee! Oh! I can't wait anymore!" He was coming! He was actually going to come! I was so excited that I never even noticed I was blocking the entrance! After a few more seconds, I skipped inside, thinking about it some more (people were giving me strange looks, but I didn't care!). I made my way inside the bar and met up with Uncle Cid (I never even noticed him coming inside…). I walked up to him and tugged his baggy shorts. He grinned and lifted me onto his lap.

"Hey-o! Happy Birthday…oh!"

I giggled. "Thanks! Ah… sorry you had to do all the dirty work…"

"Nah, 'sides, The Sierra could wait. I haven't been doing much with it anyway."

"Yeah, you lazy ol' bum!" Papa said as he walked up to him. "You really need to get out more!"

"SHUT THE F… I-I mean… ugh!"

Papa snickered. Uncle Cid banged his hand on the table and groaned. "I had a long day so… leave me alone for a while," I nodded to Papa and headed outside. The sun was blazing hot, but I didn't feel hot at all! What I really wanted to do was jump into the ocean! I headed down to the beach and spotted Tran and his friends in the water. I crouched down in front and patted the cold waves coming on shore. Tran noticed me and walked up.

"Hey, hey! Why don't you come in!"

"…in my new dress?"

"No, you weird-o!" Tran's friend said. "Getcher bathing suit on or something!"

I frowned. "But… Papa said not to swim without any adults around…"

"LOOK OUT BELOW!"

I turned around and spotted Yuffie running my way. She leaped up into the air and splashed hard into the ocean. Luckily, I didn't get wet. Tran and his friends then smirked at me. I smiled nervously.

"Well, there's an adult," another friend said.

"…m-maybe later…"

He splashed water to me at that. I tried moving away but the wet sand made me fall back down. Tran's friends gave out a loud laugh. I bit my lower lip and tried wiping away the sand on my new dress.

"She's just scared!"

Tran pushed his friends into the ocean and growled. "Quit it!" he came up to me and helped me up. "Sorry, 'bout that. They're like that sometimes."

I shook my head. "No, that's alright. I'll come in later, though!"

He smiled. "Okay, then. Just be prepared!"

I nodded at that and got back on my feet. Maybe… now wasn't the best time to go back to Papa. If he saw my dress looking like this, he would definitely throw a fit. I sighed at that. But, if I didn't do something, I'd get caught anyway. As I turned around, I saw Tifa, Cloud, and Uncle Vincent making their way to the beach. Tifa was the first to see me as she waved her arm around. I ran up to her.

"Marlene! What happened to your dress?" she asked in a worried tone.

"O-Oh, it was nothing. I was just playing in the sand," I quickly responded.

Cloud lifted an eyebrow. "Is that truly true?"

"…uhm… yes?"

Uncle Vincent kneeled in front of me and examined my dress. "Were those kids fooling around with you?"

I shook my head. "No they weren't! They just wanted to play."

Tifa took my hand and headed straight to the Inn. "We need to clean you up before Barret finds out."

A few hours rolled by, and everything was going really smoothly! I hung around Tran most of the time, because… well, they were the only kids my age there. I still haven't swum in the water yet, but pretty soon I will! Papa said that after his volleyball match, he would come in. Everyone gathered around the court as the 'Cloud Team' and Papa's team came into the center. Uncle Cid looked ready to go but Uncle Vincent didn't even seem interested. Papa shook his shoulder and scolded him about hitting the ball right. He just shrugged and turned away. Cloud was the first to serve the ball.

"Service!" he hit the ball perfectly to the other side. Papa was the first to hit it to the other side, but Tifa came out of nowhere and came for the ball. It was coming to Uncle Vincent but he didn't respond. The ball hit the ground, giving the 'Cloud Team' a point. Uncle Cid clenched his fists and growled.

"Vincent! You were supposed to hit the ball!"

He sighed. "I told you that I cannot play with my claw. That's why you will always lose."

Papa smacked his forehead and sighed. "Well! Use your other hand or something!"

"And break it?"

"Gah! Enough!" Uncle Cid passed the ball to Cloud. Cloud served the ball once again, and they received yet another point. I smiled nervously and turned away. I didn't want to look anymore. And, I think Tran was thinking the same thing. We quietly left the area and walked to the beach. There was absolutely no one there! Costa del Sol was practically ours for the day! We sat underneath an umbrella and remained silent. It felt kind of awkward… like when I was with Damian. I sighed and turned to Tran.

"Thanks for coming again. That really means a lot to me."

He sighed. "Ah, it was no problem. But, why did you invite me? I would think you wanted to be alone with Damian."

I growled. "I don't like him that way! Besides, I had a feeling that if I only invited adults, it would get kind of boring."

"Oh, so we're your… entertainers?"

I smiled. "You… can say that," I stood up and helped Tran to his feet. "Maybe he's on his way! Come on! Let's look!"

Tran looked away. "U-Uhm… I think you should know…"

"Let's go!" Before I could move, he grabbed my arm tightly. I flinched and turned to him. "W-What?"

"…he… isn't coming."

I widened my eyes and stepped away. "N-No… you said he was coming!"

Tran paused and shook his head. "I-I mean… he isn't coming… yet! C-Come on! Let's watch the rest of the game!" he tugged my arm and I followed after him. He was hiding something. And… it had something to do with Damian.

A/N: End of chapter 10! Y'know, in volleyball… I'm always stuck with people who actually DO run away from the ball. (mumble) E-VILE! Hm… now it gets complicated. Marlene and Tran. (ponder) They're so cute together! But… w-what about Damian? (rubs head) WHERE IS HE, DARNNIT! (calms down) I know what happens! (mumble) Find out next chapter! Hope you enjoyed this chapter and please tell me how you thought of it!