A/N: Well after a long awaited return I am back! This chapter is freakishly long – and I didn't realize it till I was typing it up and I was like O man this never ends! I'm really sorry about the long hold up. I had every intention of having like at least 2 to 3 chapters out over my break, but Last Sunday I lost a really close friend and it's been really hard. But I'm back. And I really hope you like the chapter.. the beginning ok, but the end I'm not to sure about, because I wasn't really in the mood of writing when I wrote it- so I hope it's ok

Disclaimer: I only own, me, myself and I.. even though they think they are their own free person… yea ha.. that's funny….

I thought you'd never ask

Kerri was awoken the next morning by a smash to the face with a pillow. Kerri's hand jolted out from under the covers, grabbed the perpetrators ankles and knocked them to the floor.

"owwiee! Ya Big Meanie!"

Kerri opened her eyes. "Oops sorry, Rikku. It's a reflex, I thought you were my cousin. I'm not a big morning person."

"Could have fooled me," Rikku stated as she kneeled next to Kerri. "So, you never did tell us what happened last night."

Kerri rolled over and said, "And I never will."

Rikku jumped on Kerri. "C'mon, Ker, please!"

Kerri pulled the covers over her head and said "no" through the blanket.

Rikku started to shake her while repeating "Please" over and over and over and over again. The 'pleasing' seem to go on for forever before Kerri grabbed her pillow and whacked Rikku with it. "Rikku! No! Now Shh!"

Rikku stood up and said, "You're a poopiehead!"

"Oh, I'm hurt- now this poopiehead want to rest. So shh."

Rikku huffed up her chest, stomped her foot, and said "Fine" before she left the room. Yuna laughed and said, "You aren't exactly the happiest person in the morning."

She groaned, "I'm never going to go back to sleep!"

Kerri sat up and looked around. Where am I?… O yea, I'm in Rikku's room. Wow this room is huge. I can't believe I didn't notice this last night. Wow.

"Kerri, we better get ready. Mass is soon."

Kerri groaned, layed back down and put the blanket over her head. "In that case, I think I'll go back to sleep."

Yuna took Kerri's blanket and said, "C'mon we have to bring you back to Tidus' so you can get clothes."

Reluctantly Kerri got up and followed Yuna into the hallway.

Suddenly Kerri felt someone grab her arm, who ever had her arm said, " Yuna, who is this girl?"

Kerri turned around and was face to face with a man who looked to be about late thirties. He had no hair and a strange body suit that covered almost every inch of his body. By the looks of the suit, it seem he was some sort of mechanic because the outfit was filled with oil.

"Uncle Cid, this is Kerri, she's a friend from school."

He released Kerri from his grip, smiled and said, "Well hello, little missy. I'm Cid, Rikku's father and leader of the Al Bhed."

Kerri smiled and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

He then turned his attention back to Yuna and said, " Well, Rikku is downstairs and I think brothers down there too, so if you can't find them, just follow the sound of the yells and you'll find them."

"Thank You."

Yuna and Kerri made their way downstairs. Before they reached the bottom they heard yelling coming from the kitchen.

He wasn't kidding when he said 'just follow the yells.'

When they got there Rikku was fighting with Brother. She gave him a quick kick to the shin before saying. "Oui ynh cu cdibet!" (you are so stupid!)

"What's the matter, Rikku?" Yuna asked.

"Nothing, he's just a zang!(jerk)" she replied as she stuck her tongue out at Brother.

"So basically, nothing new. Ok well, I have to bring Kerri to Tidus' so we can go to mass," Yuna told her.

"Oh yea." She pouted. "Ok well I'll see you later then. Bye!"

Kerri and Yuna left and got into Braska's car. Yuna explained that while her father was gone she was allowed to use his car. They drove to Tidus' house. When they got there, Kerri hopped out of the car and ran to the house. She knocked on the door. A few minutes later Gippal answered the door.

Kerri gave him a questioning look and said, "Why are you here?"

"I drove Tidus home and he's showering. He needed someone to answer the door when you came back… so here I am!" He then looked her over and said, "What are you wearing- not that I'm complaining though."

Kerri looked herself over and started to blush. She wasn't wearing much. She had to borrow Rikku's clothes for bed. She had a pair of green short shorts and a tight yellow tank top. " I had to borrow Rikku's clothes," she explained.

He smiled and went, "Nice."

Kerri just rolled her eyes.

Then Tidus' voice called from upstairs. "Gippal, was that Kerri at the door?"

Kerri called back up to him and said, "Yea, it was me."

"Good, you have half and hour to get ready."

Kerri looked herself over. A Half hour. This is going to be a challenge. She then turned to Gippal, "Ok, well I'll see you later then."

He nodded and said, "See ya."

As Kerri began to walk upstairs Gippal went, "Ok, no goodbye?"

Kerri turned to him and said, "What? I said bye."

"No, no, no,… I meant…" he then tapped his cheek.

Kerri smirked and said, "Oh, how could I forget?"

She then ran over to him, stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Bye!" She then turned and ran to shower and get ready.

About a half hour later Tidus was waiting at the bottom of the steps. "hurry up, Kerri! We have to go!"

"I'm coming!" she called back as she ran out of her room to the stairs. "Sorry, I couldn't find my bag of clothes," she explained as she was walking down the stairs.

"It's alright, now let's go." Tidus grabbed his keys and headed out the door.

When they pulled up to the temple, they spotted Yuna, Wakka, Lulu, Baralai, and Paine in front waiting for them. Kerri and Tidus hopped out of the car and raced to the group. When they reached them they all exchanged greetings.

"So, I guess we should find seats," Baralai suggested.

Kerri frowned and said, "I have to sit with Seymour. So now I have to go find him"

"No need. He's right there," Yuna said as she pointed to the limo pulling up. "Alright, We'll see you inside, Ker."

Kerri nodded. When the group left, she stood there waiting for Seymour.

"Kerri! I'm delighted you came," Seymour said as he approached her.

"Well I promised I would," she replied as he reached her and pulled her into a strong embrace.

"Wonderful. I want you to meet my father. Kerri, this is my father, Lord Jyscal. Father, this is Kerri Muratore," Seymour said.

Kerri nodded and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, er… Lord Jyscal."

"The pleasure is mine. I've heard so much about you."

Kerri plastered on a smile, said, "Only good things I hope," and let out a fake laugh.

"O yea, of course, dear. But now, come along children. We must make haste," Jyscal said as he made his way into the temple.

Kerri then walked in followed closely by Seymour. When it was time to find seats, Jyscal sat up front with the masters and Seymour took a seat next to Dona. Kerri rolled her eyes and took her seat beside Seymour. Well could this day get any better? yea, right… Kerri looked over to see who else was sitting in their pew. Next to Dona was this big hulking 'man' who looked as if he had the IQ of a peanut. Next to him was LeBlanc, Ormi, and Logos. O yay! All my favorite people… Woo hoo! Kerri thought bitterly to herself.

When Dona spotted Kerri she gave a shocked expression and whispered to Seymour, "Why is that thing sitting with us?"

"That 'thing' happens to be with me. So be nice to that 'thing.'" Seymour responded.

I don't know whether I should feel special that he kind of almost defended me, or be insulted that they both keep calling me a thing. I think I should be mostly insulted that they are calling me thing and I bet they think I can't hear them… Wow, I bet peanut boy over there has more common sense than that.

"Fine, but only because that thing is with you." Dona hissed back.

Ok I've had enough. Kerri leaned over and said, "This thing can hear you."

Dona looked at Kerri and said, "Sorry, doll, how are you?"

Kerri raised and eyebrow at her, said, "fine," and sat back in her seat.

After that the mass started. Kerri had all she could do to keep up with the sitting, standing, and kneeling. Next time I'm standing in the back.

"The mass has ended, now go in peace to love and serve Yevon."

"Thanks be to Yevon."

It's over. Thank you God! Kerri tried to contain herself. She was so excited that it was over and she wanted out of there. She was ready to start throwing people out of her way. When they got outside, Seymour took Kerri's arms and said, "What are you doing now, after mass?"

Dammit. I want to go home… well back to Tidus' or Yuna's… "Um.. I er. Don't know."

Wonderful. This is working rather well. "Ok well, how would you like to come out with us?"

"I um…. I don't have any money!" Ha, got out of that pretty easily.

Even better, now I can pay for her… and she'll think I'm a great guy. "Don't worry about it. I'll pay."

Dammit. "Uh, well… I'd have to discuss it with Tidus and Yuna because I've been staying with them.

"By all means, go right ahead."

Kerri turned and walked out into the open and looked fro the group, but didn't see anyone. Shit! Shit shit shit!

Seymour came up beside her and said, "I don't see them."

Thank you captain obvious. "Yea, neither do I."

"Well, we can wait a little longer?" Seymour offered.

Ok- I don't know their numbers so I can't call them, nor do I know where they live, so I am basically screwed beyond belief.

Then Ormi tapped her and said, "I saw you on the sphere. You were with that Tweak, Gippal. It said 'cutest couple.' Are you two going out?"

Kerri cringed at the sound of tweak, but blushed at the thought of her and Gippal going out.

LeBlanc pushed Ormi out of the way and said, "I saw that too! Oh, two opposing faiths, overcome by love!" She sighed, "How romantic."

Seymour grabbed her arm tightly and said, "You're dating that tweak?"

Ow? He's hurting me… "Well, uh, no, I um… don't think so."

As soon as those words were spoken, Gippal pulled up in his BMW truck, he rolled down the window and said, "Hey, Ker, need a ride?"

Oh, this kid is my savior! "Yes please!" She turned to Seymour. "Rain check?" and she ran towards the truck. She jumped in the passenger seat and put her seat belt on.

Gippal leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Kerri blushed and then waved at Seymour's group. Before they could pull away, Seymour ran over to the car. "Wait! Uh, you can both come with us... more the merrier right?"

Gippal looked from Seymour to Kerri and back to Seymour. "What are you talking about, Guado?"

Seymour narrowed his eyes and said, "I invited Kerri out to dinner with us, but you came to pick her up. Now… I am extending the offer to you." Seymour looked at Gippal and saw hesitation in his eyes. So he whipped out a credit card and said "My treat."

"Could you wait a sec., Seymour, gotta discuss it with the lady."

Seymour stepped back and said, "By all means."

Gippal rolled up the window and said, "So what do you think?"

Kerri shrugged" I don't know, you guys say he's a horrible person.. so maybe it's a trick?"

"For me?" Gippal started. "Most likely. For you? I doubt it."

"What?"

"I think Mr. Guado want to get with you, so I think he's being genuinely nice to you. I'm just a hindrance in his plan. But since it's his treat, what do ya say?"

"Well, we could go… for a little while. But I don't wanna be out late- especially with them!"

"Then it's settled." He rolled down the window and said, "Alright, Seymour, we'll take you up on your offer."

"Or in nicer terms, we'd love to join you for dinner," Kerri said.

"Fantastic, now will you be coming in my limo?"

"We'll pass. We'll follow you," Kerri quickly answered.

Seymour backed away from the car and said, "Very well." He then walked over to his limo, got in and slammed the door shut.

Dona leaned towards him, smirked, and said, "Someone's not happy. What's the matter doll? Get turned down?"

"No, that friggin tweak is coming and I'm paying for him too."

Logos laughed and said, "this is pocket change for you. Admit it your mad the Al Bhed is coming."

Seymour crossed his arms and said, "Yea, you're right."

LeBlanc crossed her legs and said, "Well, love, Kerri said they weren't going out, so what's the problem?"

Seymour eyes just gazed straight as he said, "He kissed her hello. His lips were on my property…"

Meanwhile back in Gippal car. "So, Ker, what restaurant are we going to?"

"No idea, I didn't really want to go so I didn't ask."

Gippal sighed and said, "So we just follow 'em?"

"You guessed it."

Gippal followed the very slow moving limo for about 2 blocks before he got impatient. "I can't follow him. Let's find out where we're going." Gippal pulled the car into the left lane and pulled along side the limo. Kerri rolled down her window and wait as the window of the limo slowly opened to reveal LeBlanc.

"What's up, love?"

"Nothing, uh, where are we going?"

LeBlanc answered, "The Bistro. My uncle owns it."

"Oh, Ok. Well … we'll meet you there- Toodles!" Kerri said as Gippal sped off in the direction of the Bistro.

"I don't think they serve Al Bhed there," Gippal said as he was driving.

"Well then we don't have to go there," Kerri offered. Please say we don't have to go there I don't want to go out with them…

"Well let's see what happens," Gippal said as they pulled up in front of this very elegant looking building. Wow.

They walked towards the front of the building and waited fro LeBlanc. After the group was together they entered the building. Upon entrance they were approached by a debonair looking man, with slicked back blonde hair. "LeBlanc! How are you darling?"

LeBlanc smiled and gave the man a hug. "I'm fine. Uncle Vinny, you know everyone, well except Kerri. She's knew. She's from Zanarkand."

The man looked away from LeBlanc and looked Kerri over. "Well it's always a pleasure to meet another one of LeBlanc's friends." He then turned his attention to Gippal. "Um, I'm sorry, but are you lost?"

Kerri linked arms with him and said, "No, he's with me."

LeBlanc touched her uncle's arm to get his attention. "Uncle Vinny, it's ok. He's with us."

"LeBlanc, I uh…" 'Uncle Vinny' seemed to be torn between his dislike towards Al Bhed and his wanting to please his niece. Finally he gave in. "Ok. Fine." He led them to a table in the back of the restaurant.

As they were walking Kerri faced Gippal and whispered, "I feel really out of place."

He scoffed at her and said, "you? I'm the only Al Bhed in this place."

"Point Made." She then tightened her grip on his arm. " Don't leave me to sit with Seymour. You sit next to me at all costs!"

He bent down and whispered, "Deal."

After they were seated Kerri was still stuck next to Seymour. I can't get away from this kid.

"So, love, how do you like Besaid?"

"It's really nice. It's nothing like Zanarkand, but I like it nonetheless. I made a lot of really great friends too."

"Yea, you made a choice pick," Dona said while glaring at Gippal.

Seymour then put his hand over Kerri's and said, "So, Dear, I bet this is the nicest restaurant you've been to."

Dear? What? She took her hand back. "Well, no, actually."

Seymour sat back in his chair and said, "Well, I meant in Besaid."

Kerri put on a fake smile and said, "Yea… me too."

Seymour laughed picked up his glass of water and said, "Really what restaurant have you been to? McDoonelds?" He put his glass up to his lips and went to take a sip.

"Well, just last night, Gippal brought me to the Monte Bianco."

At the name of the restaurant both Dona and LeBlanc gasped and Seymour choked on his water.

"Oh! That is so romantic!" LeBlanc exclaimed.

Dona smacked the big guys next to her. "Why haven't you ever brought me to the Monte Bianco?"

When Seymour stopped choking he grabbed Kerri's arm and said, "I thought you said you two weren't going out."

Kerri pulled her arm back and replied, "We're not."

"Yet. But hey only the best for my friends." Gippal put his arm around Kerri.

Yet? Kerri thought to herself.

At this the waiter came back to take orders for the drinks. When he did he skipped Gippal and left. Um… ok? When the waiter came back he skipped over Gippal again. This time, though, Kerri spoke up. "Excuse me, but you skipped my friend twice now."

The waiter stuck up his nose and replied indignantly, "He's Al Bhed."

"He's Hungry."

"Well I don't serve Al Bhed."

Kerri turned to Gippal and said, "Then we leave."

The waiter gave a quizzical look at Kerri and said, "But why, miss?"

"I'm hungry. He's hungry. We both want to eat." She then turned to the table and said, "Well, LeBlanc, Seymour, everyone, thank you for inviting me, but if Gippal isn't going to be served then we'll just go elsewhere."

Oh no, she is not leaving. "Kerri, dear, don't you think you're over reacting?"

Kerri give him a dirty look and said, "Don't call me dear. And No I don't think I'm over reacting."

Seymour grabbed her hand. "Darling, please, you are making a scene."

Kerri shook her head and said, "You don't get it. I don't really care. And why are you calling me darling?" She then got up to leave, but Seymour grabbed her arm.

"Kerri, I seriously advise you stay."

Kerri tried to get out of his grip. "Let go of me Seymour. I'm leaving."

He tightened his grip on her arm. "Ow, Seymour, you're hurting me. Please, stop."

At this point Gippal was growing angry and his fist were clenched. He better let her go, or I'm going to fix that crooked nose for him the painful way.

"Um, love, you making a scene," LeBlanc whispered in a menacing tone.

Seymour released her and said, "Fine, go. I'm sorry you feel that way."

Gippal put his hands on Kerri's shoulders. "C'mon Keri, Let's go."

Kerri rubbed her arm, nodded, and walked towards the exited followed by Gippal.

"Sagona," Seymour called after him.

Gippal handed Kerri the keys and told her to wait in the car before he turned to face Seymour. "Yea? What?"

"Listen, stay out of my way. I want Kerri and it would be in your bets interest to leave her alone."

Gippal crossed his arms across his chest. "And if I don't?"

"Let's just say I'll do more than just take your girl from you."

Gippal let his hands fall to his side. He shot Seymour a dirty look and left. When he got back to the car, Kerri was patiently waiting in the passenger seat. He got in the car and didn't say anything as he started the car.

He looks upset. "What'd they want?"

Gippal kept his gaze straight ahead when he answered "Nothing." What did he mean by 'I'll take more that just your girl'? Was that a threat and if so. To who, Kerri or me? I don't think he'd hurt her, but then again he wasn't exactly being gentle back there. He looked at Kerri's left arm where Seymour had grabbed her. It was all red. That bastard. Kerri looked back at him, so he shook his head smiled and said, "So Ya hungry? Tidus' treat."

Kerri laughed. "Sure."

Meanwhile back in the restaurant. "Can we say rash actions?" Dona commented as her food was being place down in front of her.

"yea, love, if you want a girl… you don't usually harm them."

Seymour stabbed his steak with his fork and replied, "Yea and I don't usually have to work at it either. Why is this so different?"

Dona turned her gaze towards him and responded, "Well, let's look at her friends: Two and a half Tweaks, two Goths, a thick headed twit, an X, and Tidus. They've probably told her stories. So you'd have to win her trust. Or move on. She's more trouble than she's worth."

"Listen I always get what I want and I want her to add to my list."

"Well, then work for it and stop complaining."

"Fine." You will be mine, Kerri, just you wait.

o0o

"Comfortable much?" were Kerri's words when Tidus answered the door.

He laughed and scratched the back of his head. "This is what I sleep in so get used to it."

Kerri and Gippal walked in the house and Gippal asked, "How'd you like to feed your tow favorite people?"

"I'd love to, but Yuna and Wakka already ate."

"Funny," Kerri replied as she took off her sneakers.

"I thought so, c'mon I'll heat ya up some leftovers."

As they were eating Gippal and Kerri were telling Tidus all about dinner. "You should have seen their faced when I said Gippal took me to the Monte Bianco."

Tidus jaw dropped and said," You went to the Monte Bianco… wow… um. Continue."

Kerri shrugged it off and continued. After talking for a while, it was about 830 and Tidus said, "Gippal, Don't mean to sound like a jerk, but it's getting kind of late, shouldn't you be heading home?"

"Yea, I guess."

Kerri pouted and said, "Do you have to leave now?"

"Not unless Tidus throws me out, but he can't do that if he can't find me." Gippal threw Kerri over his shoulder and ran upstairs with her.

"Ahh! Let me go!" Kerri was yelling and laughing as he ran into Tidus' room and threw Kerri on the bed.

"Now, my fair maiden, tell me, where does Tidus hide his money?"

"I'll never tell you!" Kerri shouted in an over dramatic voice.

"Well then, I'll just have to torture you till I find out." He then jumped at her and started tickling her.

"Ahh! Tidus Help!"

Tidus came into his room and said, "Unhand her you fiend!"

Kerri rolled off the bed and ran behind Tidus. "My Hero!"

Gippal then said, "It's not what you think. She said you like to wear pink frilly underwear! I was trying to get her to take it back."

Tidus smirked then but on a shocked face and said, "You told him! Oh that's it!" He threw her on the bed and held her arms as Gippal tickled her. Soon Tidus' eyes came over 4 scratch marks and said in a very serious tone, "What is this?"

Gippal stopped tickling her and looked at her arm. "Holy Machina, Ker, your arm."

Kerri got off the bed and walked over to the mirror and looked at her arm in her reflection. Oh my God. What the Hell? Seymour really hurt me.

Tidus ran over to her. "Kerri, who did that?"

"I'll kill him," Gippal said as he sat down on the bed.

Tidus turned and looked at him. "Who?"

"Seymour."

Tidus turned to Kerri. "He did this to you?"

She nodded. Well this give a new definition to the term 'tough love.'

"Alright, well, I'm going to see if we have any Neosporin for that. Okay?"

"Ok, listen, I got to go se, I'll see you tomorrow ok?"

"Yea," Tidus replied as he walked out of his room.

"I'll walk to you to door," Kerri told him.

As they were walking down the stair Gippal said, "So, Ker, the senior Semi-formal is coming up. You got a date?"

Kerri jumped down the last 4 steps, turned to him and replied, " Nope, didn't even know there was a dance."

"Oh, well, I don't have a date either."

"ok…"

Gippal scratched the back of his head. "So… um, ya wanna go with me?"

Kerri smiled and said, "Sure, Id love to go with you."

"Ok, well, um see you tomorrow."

"Okay, bye!"

He leaned over, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and left. After she shut the door Kerri ran upstairs and into the room she had been staying in and jumped on the bed. She broke out into her "happy dance" which was made up of spontaneous random motions, all the while yelling 'woo hoo' repeatedly.

Tidus walked into the room and said, "Um… if this is a bad time… I can come back later?"

She laughed and plopped herself down on the bed. "No, sorry, just a little um… hyper."

"Alright, well lemme see yours cuts."

Kerri lifted her arm, and Tidus applied the Neosporin to it. "The cuts aren't that deep, they should heal rather quickly."

"Thanks."

"I can't believe he did that to you. I could kill him. He gets me so angry. Argh!"

Kerri put her hand on his back and said "hey, don't worry about it. It's nothing big. It was an accident. I mean he has nails. I'm sure he didn't mean to hurt me."

"Still, Ker, he did."

Kerri threw herself on the bed and look up at the ceiling. "Well, listen, its like I always say," she sat up, " 'Don't sweat the petty things… and don't pet the sweaty things."

Tidus gave her a funny looked laugh and said, "What? Eww." He pushed her head back and continued, "You sure everything's alright in your head?

"Hey! That is so mean!" She protested.

"You'll live now get ready for bed. We have school tomorrow."

She rolled her eyes and said, "Yes Father."

The next morning Tidus tried to wake Kerri up. Key word Tried. "Ker, c'mon ya gotta get ready for school."

Kerri groaned, "No," and rolled over.

"Ker, let's go."

"No! Leave me alone." She said from under the covers.

"Kerri! Move it!"

Kerri stuck her hand out form under the covers, felt around the floor and picked up her shoe. She then threw it at him. "NO!" The shoe came within two inched of his head and slammed into the door.

"Whoa, alright, nasty. That's it." He walked over to the bed, pulled off the bedspread and took her pillows.

She opened her eyes and glared at him. She sat up and went " Fine! I'm up happy? Now get out so I can changed."

Tidus hesitated. "Alright, but if you are longer than … um… 8 minutes I'm coming back."

She brushed him off with a "yea whatever." And made her way over to the closet. She blindly grabbed an outfit and hoped for the best. When she was finished she went downstairs. Tidus was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. "C'mon, cranky, we have to pick up Gippal and Yuna. We'll eat at school."

Kerri muttered a "yea whatever" as she walked out the door. She got in the passenger seat of the car and Tidus go tin the driver's seat. "You are really nasty in the morning."

"Yea."

"You could have warned me about the flying projectiles."

She shrugged. "You're the one who entered the lion's den."

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Nope."

"Great. Can you go knock on Yuna' door."

Kerri looked at him strangely and said, "Why don't you just honk the horn?"

Tidus hit the horn, only there was no honking sound. "Alright fine," she muttered as she got out of the car and moseyed her was up to Yuna's door. She knocked and waited for someone to answer.

"Coming!" a few seconds later a flustered Yuna opened the door. "Sorry I was running a tad late."

"Join the club." Kerri said as Yuna took off running towards to car.

"Shot Gun!" Yuna yelled as she jumped in the front seat.

"Right…" Kerri said as she climbed into the back seat.

Tidus turned to Yuna and said, "Thanks for warning me about Kerri's morning attitude."

"Yea, she's not the happiest person. She knocked Rikku down yesterday."

"Well I got a shoe thrown at my head."

Yuna laughed. "That must have been interesting to see."

"Yea, whatever you say. Alright well now to Gippal's."

When they pulled up the Gippal house Yuna asked, "How come we're going to school so early?"

Kerri's head shot up. "Early?" She grabbed the back of her neck. Ow. Whiplash. She then looked at the clock. "Tidus! It's only 6:30! Jerk. You had me thinking 'Oh man, I'm going to make everyone late.' You are a jerk!"

"Hey, what did I do now. I only just got here." Kerri turned her head to see Gippal sitting next to her.

She smiled and said, "You didn't do anything. Tidus is the Jerk."

"Well that's a first."

"There's a first time for everything," she replied.

Gippal put on his cocky smirk and said, "Well, I like it."

"I don't" Tidus said from the front seat. "I don't like being the jerk."

"Well, if you weren't being such a jerk, then you wouldn't be a jerk…" Wait? What? What the hell did I just say?

Gippal laughed and said, "What?"

Kerri crossed her arms and said, "Shut up. It made sense in my head."

Gippal nodded and said, "I bet a lot of things make sense in your head…"

Kerri leaned down in her seat and said, "Leave me alone, you're a jerk."

Gippal shrugged and said, "Well that was short lived."

Tidus put the car in park and said, "Alright, you two, we're in school. Now kiss and makeup."

"Gladly." Gippal puckered his lips and put his face near Kerri's.

Kerri laughed and noticed Tidus and Yuna watching them. She then patted Gippal head and said, " Sorry I don't do these thins with an audience." She got out of the car.

Gippal snapped his fingers and said, "Dam." And then he got out. He ran after her. "Ker, wait up."

She turned around. "Yea?"

He looked around and said, "Well, there is no audience here and … you still owe me that kiss form before."

Kerri thought about it, reached into her bag and took out a piece of paper and pen. She wrote I O U on it and handed it to Gippal. "Now, here's what you do. You stick that in your pocket and you save it for a special occasion."

Gippal folded the paper stuck it in his pocket and said, "You drive a hard bargain, Muratore, but I accept."

She smiled and said, "I'm off to my locker!" Kerri skipped down the hallway to her locker. While she was in her locker getting her book, Baralai came up to her.

"Almost done?"

She jumped and smacked her head on the back of the locker. She grabbed her head. "Ow, Son of…" She turned to face Baralai, "You can't do that to me."

He laughed, "Sorry."

"Why are you here so early?"

"I'm always here early."

Kerri shrugged, "whatever." She closed her locker. "So, I'm hungry. Let's go to the cafeteria."

"Alright."

"Do you know why Tidus had us come into school so early?"

"No idea. But it wasn't much of a problem for me. I'm always here at this time."

When they reached the cafeteria, there was a huge circle of kid in the middle yelling "fight, fight, fight"

Kerri looked at Baralai who gave her a concerned look. They both ran over to the crowd. Kerri tapped some kid on the shoulder, "What's going on?"

"Seymour, Bartello, Tidus, and Gippal are fighting."

Kerri's mouth dropped. Shit.

She pushed her way through the crowd. "excuse me, excuse me, move, get out of my way… ugh forget this I'm done being nice." She started pushing people out of her way. When she got to the center Gippal was saying something to Seymour.

"Ya know I always knew you were an asshole, but to hurt a girl… that pretty shitty man."

Kerri crossed her arms and stood behind Gippal and Tidus. "What the hell is going on?"

The two blonde turned around. "Kerri!" they said in unison.

She looked at Tidus and said, "I thought I told you not to make a big deal out of it."

"I didn't"

She put her hands on her hips. "Really? Then what the hell is this? You are unbelievable ya know that?"

"Ker, we were standing up for you."

"Yea, I know. But you did it when I asked you not to. And in school. Is this why you made me get up so early?"

Tidus looked down at the floor. Gippal walked over to her. "Kerri, I'm sorry."

Kerri let her arms dangle at her sides. "Yea, of course you are. You're always sorry. But you never think things through and then you just apologize and expect everything to be ok. It's not going to always work like that."

He looked into her eyes, "Are you mad at me?"

She sighed "No, I'm not mad."

Gippal pulled her into a hug. She returned the embrace. He then whispered into her ear. "I think I wanna use that I O U now."

"Why, now?"

"Hey don't question it. Just do it."

She sighed. "Fine."

He pulled out of the hug and looked into her eyes. He smirked, closed his eyes, leaned down and kissed her.

Well he pull out of the kiss he put his forehead to hers, looked into her eyes and said, "I'm really sorry."

"I know you are."

Seymour stood to the side watching everything. He clenched his fist. That little lying whore. I'll kill them both. He walked swiftly over to them, threw Kerri to the floor and punched Gippal across the face.

Kerri stood up. That little piece of crap. I save him from a beating and this is the thanks I get. She walked behind him tapped him on the shoulder. "Seymour?" He turned around. She gave him a right hook to the nose. "That's for being an asshole." She then punched him in the stomach, "That's for hurting me yesterday." She finished off with an uppercut and said, "That's for hurting Gippal." Seymour was so caught off guard he was on the floor with a bloody nose.

Kerri walked over to Gippal and helped him up. "Are you ok?"

"Yea, I'll be fine."

"Let's go." They walked together to Gippal locker. "Ok, well I have to go meet up with Tidus and Baralai, so I'll see you third?"

"Yea, before you go though… Can I say something?"

She looked up at him. "Yea. Go ahead."

"Listen, back there. I'm sorry… but Thank you for standing up for me. Not many people do that for Al Bheds and I really appreciate it."

"I'm not like most people… and hey, what are friends for?"

"No, you're right. You are one of a kind. But, that's another thing… I don't know how you feel, but I hope it's the same way I do… I really like you – if you couldn't tell… and well, I was wondering… maybe we could me something a little more than just friends?" He laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head. O wow look at me. Nervous about asking a girl out. This is insane. Gippal Sagona never gets nervous about asking a girl out.

Kerri smiled. Wow I didn't see this coming. "Gippal Sagona, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?"

He laughed nervously. "Yea…"

She gave him a kiss on the cheek and whispered in his ear, "I thought you'd never ask."

o0o

A/N: Ok well there ya go.. I also started writing another Fan Fic and I should be posting that up soon.. and by soon I mean in the next few month lol… nah, well maybe, who knows with my schedule.. Ok well Review! And till next time Toodles!

Thank You's

The Earth Mystic: Yea not everyone is a beach person. I personally love the beach. I mean I don't like it when you come out of the water and the sand sticks to you, but eh a little price to pay for it lol Well I'm glad you liked the last chapter and I hope this one lives up to the standards of my readers…

labrat-seph: I'm trying with the detail… I try. It's hard because sometimes it'll be details, but really really bad details.. like detailed to the point where your like ok.. I get it.. lol but I'm glad you like the story.. I work really hard on it

loveable-M: yea I hate flamers… they have nothing better to do than put other peoples work down, o well.. I'm lucky to have so many great reviewers Thanks.. Sorry for the long wait…

GiGgLyGaL: lol It's not sad… I've done the same thing.. lol.. I've gotten better though I don't really do it anymore :shifty eyes: lol I'm glad you liked the last chapter… I hope ya like this one…

Yuna-Blueo'Hara: Lenna! Don't worry about it.. lol I hope your recital went well- Your new story is awesome and I think all my readers should go read it… Wait I have to look up the title.. lol.. :wait for Internet explorer to work…: ok there we go.. Interna Fusions awesome! lol ok well Thanks for reviewing and I don't care how long it takes as long as you don't forget to do it lol thanks again!

Feather Black: lol Don't worry .. By all means review one chapter at a time I have no problem with it. I'm realle happy you like my story :smiles: Your story is great too! Ok well I'm going to try to update again soon.

CeE CrOw: Heyy col! I'm glad you like my story, but next time you review.. try to be a little careful with your typing lol.. I know I should talk right? Lol ok well I'll see you later cuz we are going running.. and by running I mean 'walking at a slightly faster pace' lolol