A/N: I apologize soo much for being sooo late! I had this chapter typed up two weeks ago, and it was a lot better and longer than this, but my computer crashed the day I finished it, thus I lost all my information , it sucked soo bad… then I had to wait forever to get back a computer, then I had to rewrite it.. and it was just really bad. That and my uncle GJ and Sam have been really sick and I've been busy with them, and work. So I apologize again, but this time I have a real reason for being so late with the chapter! And, I didn't send it out to be proof read or Beta reador anything so0o be forwarned there are A LOT OF MISTAKES! Lol okies! Toodles!
Disclaimer: "….. yea no…."
888
The next morning, Kerri and Tidus quietly left the house together. Once at the hospital, she circled the parking lot for a few minutes in search of a parking spot. After parking the car, the two teens made there way into the hospital.
As they neared Scott's room, the noise from a television was heard. 'What's they give him a roommate or something? I can't believe they have the TV on so loud.' She quickened her pace and walked into the room. Without so much as glancing at the room's occupants she stalked over to the TV and turned it off.
"Hey, I was watching that!"
She pursed her lips as she started to turn. "Well, I really don't-" When she laid eyes on the owner of the voice, her mouth dropped. "…Dad?"
He smiled at her astonished expression. She ran over to him, wrapping her arms around him. "Dad! You're awake! That makes me so happy."
He laughed as he returned the gesture. "I'm glad you're happy." He looked over her should at Tidus who was standing in the doorway. "Hey, big guy, how've ya been?"
The blond Blitzer ran his hand through his hair before saying, "I'm ok. What about you?"
Before Scott could reply, Kerri pulled back from him and looked at him sternly. "Why didn't you tell me?"
He tried to play dumb by giving her a confused look and saying, "Tell you what, sweetie?"
She placed her hands on her hips. "That you're sick and you're gonna…" she trailed off and looked at the floor.
He looked down at his hands before saying, "Auron told you, huh?"
"No, no one did. I found out from the doctor." She leaned her weight on her right leg and crossed her arms. "Why didn't you tell me?"
He sighed, "I didn't want to worry you."
She threw her hands in the air. "Oh. Of course! This didn't happen to worry me at all either! I enjoyed coming home from my anniversary to find you in the hospital."
Tidus shifted uncomfortably before saying, "I'm gonna go see if Auron's here…" Not getting a response from either Scott or Kerri he slowly inched his way out of the room.
Scott took her hand and looked up at her. "Ker, listen. I really am sorry. I wanted you to know, just not yet."
She pulled her hand back. "Then when? When were you going to tell me? I know it isn't the happiest thing to talk about, but what would I have done if you hadn't woken up!"
"Come on, Ker. If I knew this was going to happen, I would have told you." He patted the bed. "C'mon. Sit." She reluctantly sat down on the bed. He put his hand on her knee. "Now, Kerri, do you think I wanted this to happen?"
She shook her head, "No, but I still thing you should have told me."
"You're a hundred percent right. I should have told you. But. I didn't and I'm sorry," he took her hand and gave it a squeeze. "Forgive me?"
She looked down at her father who was trying to pout. She laughed and shook her head. "Yea, I forgive ya."
"Good. Now you want to go tell Auron and Tidus they can come in?"
She nodded and walked over to the door. She popped her head out into the hallway where she spotted Tidus speaking with Auron. "Hey, you two, you can come in now. No one is dead."
Tidus smiled and walked past Kerri into the room. Auron, however, lingered in the hallway. "Kerri, can you come here."
She furrowed her brow before walking into the hallway. "What's up Auron?"
He placed his hand on her shoulder. "Are you ok?"
She shrugged, "As 'ok' as I can be really."
"Be strong. He'll need you to do that for him, Ok?"
She nodded. "Yea I know."
He walked past her into the room she quietly followed behind him. When she entered the room, Tidus was speaking to Scott excitedly and Auron was standing behind him waiting for a chance to speak. A smile played on her lips as she watched them. 'Tidus speaks to him like he's his own father. I've never seen him do that with Auron. It kind of makes me feel like we really are family.'
Finally, after talking continuously, Tidus came up for air and Auron started to speak. When some more time passed Scott looked at Kerri and said, "You must be hungry, why don't you and Tidus go get something to eat from the cafeteria?"
She looked at him skeptically before saying; "If you want me to leave so you can talk to Auron alone, just say so."
He sighed and said, "Alright, I want to talk to Auron alone. Can you and Tidus leave?"
She rolled her eyes before she stood and exited the room with Tidus in rear. Auron laughed to himself, "Nothing gets by her does it?"
He smiled and shook his head. "She's a smart kid and can sometimes be a handful sometimes." He motioned to a chair before saying, "Sit. I wish to discuss something with you."
Auron pulled the chair closer to the bed and sat in it. "It's about Kerri, correct?"
"Nothing gets by you either." He nodded. "Yes, it does concern her. Now, I know you've been taking care of her. The amount of gratitude I have for that is immense. However, I know you have Tidus who is a 'load of surprises' and I'm sure you've realized by now Kerri isn't much better."
Auron laughed, "No, she's worse. Now… what are you getting at?"
He smiled slightly. "Always right to the point. Alright, what do you want to do with Kerri after I die?"
Auron was silent for a few minutes. Unsure of how to answer he asked, "What do you mean?"
"I know she may be a burden upon you…"
Auron cut him off before he could continue, "Scott, if you're implying I would want to hive her up after…" he shook his head. "No I would never. You asked me to look after her and I will. Unless… she mentioned a desire to leave…?"
"No. No, of course now. She loves it there," he sighed, "I just don't want you to fell you have to keep her."
"Where else would she go?"
"I'm sure Braska-"
Auron cut him off again, "Don't. She will always have a place in my home."
Scott smiled, "Thank you, Auron. You truly are a friend."
888
"So, what do you think they're talking about?" Tidus questioned as he gave her a thoughtful look.
She shrugged and took a bite of her Milky Way bad. "Probably something morbid that they don't want me to get upset about, so they sent us away."
He nodded in agreement. "Most likely, but what do you think they're saying?"
She gave him a look that said 'what the hell?' before she replied, "Do I looked like I read minds?"
"Who knows? Maybe there's something you're not telling me." He looked at her suspiciously. "What am I thinking right now?"
She rolled her eyes as she stood from the table. As she walked away, he called after her, "C'mon, tell me what I'm thinking. Miss. I-can-read-minds."
She turned around to face him and placed her hand on her right hip while the other one rested on her chin. "Well… you're thinking 'Do these pants make my butt look big'" she smirked before continuing, "And the answer is Yes. They do."
He laughed, "Ha no, you wron- wait! What? I don't have a big butt!" he yelled as he chased after her,
She laughed to herself as she continued down the hall. Once she reached his room, she knocked on the door. She popped her head through the opening, "May we come back in?"
The two men nodded, signally for them to come back into the room. The two teens entered and looked around the room, both sets of eyes finally rested upon the remaining chair. They looked at each before making a dash for the chair. Kerri got to it first, but that meant nothing to Tidus who merely sat on her lap.
"Gah! Get off me! You're bubble butt is squishing me!" she screamed as she punched his back.
Auron raised his hand to his forehead and sighed, "Must you two do this in public?"
Scott laughed heartily before saying, "It's fun, let them be."
"Fun!" Kerri shrieked from behind/under Tidus. "How bout Auron sits on you. Then we'll see what's fun!" She continued her assault on Tidus' back, until she finally grabbed a handful of his hair and gave it a tug.
He let out a pained yelp as he hopped off her lap. She glowered at him before saying, "And don't let it happen again."
He rubbed his head and narrowed his eyes. "Sleep with one eye open."
"Ok and I'll have my sword with me too, in case you decide to take a visit…"
They stared at each other for a while before Auron grew fed up and said, "If anything happens at home, you'll both be sharing a room with me." He stood and pushed Tidus down into the empty chair. He glanced between the two teens, "Understood?"
The two blue-eyed teens crossed their arms and muttered, "Fine."
After spending the rest of the day there, the three of them finally went home to prepare for the long week ahead of them.
888
The week couldn't end fast enough for the residents of the Manti home. Auron had a tough week at school with the end of the year approaching and the constant bickering between Tidus and Kerri wasn't helping his migraine either.
Kerri had been in a constant bad mood. In between balancing school, Blitz practice, talent show practice, and visiting her father at the hospital with hardly any sleep was taking a huge toll on her. She was lashing out at everyone, including Gippal.
Poor Tidus, who was balancing the same things as Kerri, only difference was he slept better, was receiving the brunt end of both Kerri and Auron's bad mood. The only thing that kept him going was the thought that the Finals were this Saturday. The Vikings faced off against the Luca Lions to see which team would go on to Zanarkand to play in the championship game. Though, with Kerri the way she was, he wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing.
It was Saturday, the day of the Blitz game and Kerri and Tidus were sitting in the living room with the television on. Neither of them were watching it, merely just staring at it. Auron entered the living room and stood in front the television, before turning it off.
He looked at the two teens for a few minutes before turning to Kerri and saying, "Ker, you look awful. Take a nap." When it looked like she was going to protest he said, "Or no Blitz tonight."
She let out a loud groan before she reluctantly made her way to her room. She dropped onto the bed and curled up with her pillow. Her eyes drooped shut and she was just about to doze off when the sounds of 'System of a Down: Chop Suey' boomed through the house.
She jumped out of the bed and stormed off down the hall. She slammed her fist on Tidus' door and screamed, "Tidus! Turn off that damned music!"
He didn't turn off the music, nor open his door. Instead he yelled back, "No. Now leave me alone. You've been nothing but bitchy all week."
Frustrated she kicked the door before she screamed for Auron. He groaned as he made his way to the top of the stairs. "Tidus come out here now."
Hesitantly, Tidus opened his door and stood in the hall. Auron glared at the two teens before saying, "Cut the crap, both of you. Ok?" He looked at Kerri. "You have to stop flipping out on everyone. We're trying to be patient, but my patience along with everyone else's are wearing thin. I understand what you're going through is upsetting, but the way you are treating the people that care about you, is ridiculous. Yesterday, when you chased Gippal out of here, I thought he was going to cry."
Tidus looked at Kerri with a smug smile on his face. She lowered her head and looked at her feet. Auron then turned to Tidus. "And must you do everything you can to piss her off? This has been a long week for everyone and you know she hasn't slept much at all this week. So instead of letting her sleep you play you music. Turn it off and have some consideration for others." He looked between the two teens, "Got it?"
They both nodded before heading to their respective rooms.
888
After a much-needed nap, Kerri got up and ready for the game. After taking a shower, she put on her orange bikini with the knee length black shorts. When she couldn't find her jersey she asked Auron, "Auron, where's my jersey?"
"I washed it and gave it to Tidus."
She groaned and made her way around the house calling Tidus' name. She finally found him out on the front porch, talking with their neighbor Shawn. She grabbed the jersey out of his arms and slapped his shoulder. "I just spent 15 minutes looking for you and my jersey. Next time you have anything of mine, put it on the stairs if you aren't going to bring it to my room!"
She slipped the jersey on as she reentered the house. She walked into the kitchen where Auron was just getting off the phone. "Good, you found him. Are you two ready?"
She nodded as she about faced and headed outside to the car.
888
Since the team was playing in the Finals, the game had to be played on a neutral field. Therefore, the game would be played in the Kilika sphere. After an hours drive, they finally reached the sphere pool. The teens went their separate way from Auron and made their way towards the locker room.
Kerri snaked her arms around Gippal's waist. "I'm sorry about yesterday."
He turned to face her. He smiled down at her and planted a kiss on the top of her head. "It's alright."
After a few minutes of the teammates talking amongst themselves, the coach called them in to talk. After prepping the team for the game he said, "We came this far, now let's take it all the way." He put his hand in the center of the group of teens. "On three."
Everyone placed their hand on top of the coach's and on the count of three they screamed out "Let's Blitz!" The coach led the team to the top of the Blitz sphere where the announcer started introducing the teams.
"Well, folks, here we are at the Finals. The Luca Lions facing off against the Besaid Vikings. Now spotting the orange jerseys, all the way from Besaid we have the captain of the Besaid Vikings, Tidus Reina!"
Starting with Tidus, he announced all the players, ending with Kerri. When they finished introducing the Luca lions, Kerri and Tidus swam over to the center of the sphere.
"Well, as you may know. A lady on the Blitz isn't quite common, but I hear this girl packs a pretty good hit. It would seem the captain, Tidus Reina and the young lady, Kerri Muratore are going to shake hands with the captain of the Luca Lions, Bickson Luma."
Bickson swam away form his team in the direction of Tidus and Kerri. Instead of stopping to shake Tidus' hand he swam right by her and straight to Kerri.
"Well, isn't that gentlemanly, he's going to shake hands with the lady first. Makes you wonder if he's doing it to be a gentleman, or to insult the captain of the Vikings."
"How about you and me go out tonight in celebration of my victory." The captain of the Lions stuck out his hand. "Once in a lifetime chance."
Kerri crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Not in your wildest dreams," she replied before she swam back over to her team.
"Folks, it looks like there is going to be a lot of tension in this game."
Tidus laughed as he swam up besides Bickson, "How does it feel to be turned down twice by the same girl?"
When Tidus returned to the team, the starters took their positions while the others filed out of the sphere pool. The first quarter started without Kerri and Gippal. "Do you think we'll win?" Kerri asked as she leaned against her boyfriend.
He looked down at her with a cocky smirk on, "With me and you on the team. How could we loose?"
Fifteen minutes and a few fouls later, the first quarter was done. The score was Luca Lions 1 : Besaid Vikings 0. Tidus came out of the sphere with an injured shoulder. He walked over to Kerri and Gippal and shook his head, spritzing water all over the couple.
"Tidus! Really, so rude!" Kerri said as she raised her hands to shield herself from the water.
He shrugged with his good shoulder and sat besides his 'sister.' The coach walked over to them and called the rest of the team over. "Alright we're down by 1, but we have three more quarters to catch up." He looked at Tidus and shook his head, "Reina you're out. Muratore, you're taking his place. Gippal you're in for Wakka. Ready?"
They nodded and the team chanted out "Let's Blitz!"
"Well it's the start of the second quarter and it looks like Tidus has been replaced by Kerri Muratore and Wakka has been replaced with Gippal Sagona. Let's see if this will change things around a bit."
Kerri swam to the center of the sphere, while Gippal swam off to the left side of the sphere. She waited patiently while the other team took their positions. When Bickson took his position opposite her, she narrowed her eyes and gave him an 'intimidating' look.
He scoffed at her and said, "Is that supposed to scare me?"
She smiled sweetly as she said, "Nope," and jumped up for the ball. Once the ball was in her hands she continued, "Just distract you." She swam a bit before passing the ball to Gippal, who swam further down the sphere.
The blond Al Bhed darted his eyes around, looking for someone he could pass the ball too. As he was preparing to toss the ball, Graav tackled the ball from his arms. Now, instead of passing the ball to someone else, he took the time out to mock the young Al Bhed. Thus, allowing Kerri the time to sneak up behind him and knock the ball out of his hands.
Gippal quickly recaptured the ball and immediately passed it to Jassu who was positioned in front of the net. Jassu caught the ball and kicked it towards the next, scoring and making it a tie game, Lion 1 :Vikings 1.
"Yea, Jassu! You're the man!" Gippal said as he swan towards him.
Kerri gave him a high five, "Way to go, Jazz!"
"Alright, the game is now tied! Hey, Folks, I was informed of an interesting rumor now. Apparently #27 Sagona and # 17 Muratore are in a relationship. Could that chemistry be the reason the Vikings have made it so far?"
The two teams maneuvered back to their positions. Being the loser's ball, Bickson had the ball first. He passed it to Abus before barreling past Kerri. She rubbed her shoulder as she lingered back a bit. The three forwards Bickson, Graav, and Abus continuously passed the ball amongst themselves confusing the players on the Vikings. It wasn't until Bickson shot on the goal, scoring did half the team know what was going on.
"The Lions just ran circles around the Vikings. How embarrassing. I wonder if they can make up for that."
With the Lions back in the lead, the teams repositioned themselves. Kerri got the ball and dodged a tackle by Bickson before throwing the ball to Gippal. The green eyed blond, caught the ball and passed it to the right side of the sphere where, Jassu was.
Jassu looked around, with Bickson and Abus coming at him, he passed it back to Kerri. She stole a quick glance at the clock as she caught the ball. 'Now, is as good a time as any…' She began her ascent toward the top of the sphere. As she emerged out of the top of the sphere, she tossed the ball in the air as she back flipped. When her foot made contact with the ball it whizzed straight through the water into the goal.
"Whoa! So there rumors are true! There is another players on the Besaid Vikings who can perform the sphere shot. Could this be the reason they play so well?"
Before the teams could reform the buzzer rang, signifying the end of the first half of the game. The teams exited the sphere, each returning to their respective coaches.
"Well, that ends the first half of the game. There will be a fifteen minute break, but don't go too far because before you know it, they'll be back!"
The coach patter Kerri on the shoulder, "Nice work, Muratore." He turned and looked at Jassu, "You too, Jassu."
They smiled, "Thanks."
"Alright, Kerri, Gippal, and Datto are going to get food from the concession stand, so if you want something, tell them and give them your money. Don't want my whole team wandering off," the coach said the to team.
After collecting orders and money from the team, the trio made their way over to the food stand. Kerri stepped to the side and bent down to tie her sneaker. As she stood, she heard the 'friendly' voice of the Lion's captain. "Well, if it isn't Miss. Show-off. You know, I didn't recognize you at first, but I remember you now. You're the mage from the Psyches/Goers game, right?"
She gritted her teeth as she turned to face the captain. "Yea, that would be me. Took you long enough to realize it."
"You should watch your mouth, girlie, wouldn't want an accident to occur."
She crossed her arms and looked up at him, "Is that a threat?"
He shrugged, "Take it however you want to."
By this time, Gippal and Datto were back from getting the food. Gippal wrapped a protective arm around Kerri as he glared at Bickson, "Is he bothering you?" She glared at Bickson before about facing and walking away, towing Gippal. "What was that about?" he questioned.
"He was being an ass, nothing new though," she said as they continued to walk.
As they passed out the food, the coach started to prep them again. "Alright, now, I know you've worked hard all season, so I'm proud of you all no matter the outcome of this game, but since we're here, let's win!" He looked at Kerri, "Muratore, I want you in, Tidus is still injured, ok?" She nodded as he turned to Wakka, "Wakka, you're in for Gippal." He barked out a few more instructions before the team entered the sphere again.
"Gonna back down?" Bickson hissed as she approached.
She positioned herself in front of him, "Yea right."
He shrugged, "You were warned."
The ball whizzed by them both. They jumped up to get the ball, but Bickson slowed allowing Kerri to retrieve it. She looked at him curiously. However, it all became clear when the three forwards slammed into her at once.
"oh, #17 has taken one hard hit. I don't think she can continue after a blow like that."
She took a hit to the side, stomach and head. The blow knocked the air out of her as well as the ball. She coughed a few times as she sunk to the bottom of the sphere. She brought her hand to her mouth only to find that when she was hit and bit her tongue, she drew blood. The coach called a time out as Gippal made a mad dash to her. He helped her out of the sphere as Botta took her place.
He helped her over to the bench. She coughed a few more times before her breathing became normal once again. "Kerri, are you ok?" Tidus asked her. She nodded slowly, fighting back a headache.
"Ker, you're bleeding." Gippal grabbed a towel and dabbed the little bit of blood that trickled from her mouth.
"I bit my tongue when I got hit…"
Tidus clenched his fist as he glared up at the sphere. "unbelievable…" he muttered.
As the third quarter ended, the score was still tied, 2:2. "Ok, Reina and Muratore, how are you feeling?"
Tidus stood with a smile, "Fine."
Kerri went to stand, but as she did she felt lightheaded so she sat back down. "I'm a bit lightheaded… and dizzy."
"Alright, Ker. Then sit out," he said before addressing the team. "Tidus, Gippal, and Wakka your in, along with Jassu, Datto, and Keepa. We have fifteen minutes to score and win the game."
"Well, it's the last quarter and it looks like we have Tidus Reina back in the sphere, folks, but I don't see Ms. Muratore. She must have taken some hit out there, let's hope no real damage was done."
Kerri sat on the bench, holding her head as she watched the game. Tidus sneered at the redheaded captain of the goers. "Hurting my sister was the biggest mistake you ever made, Luma."
He shrugged, "She should learn to watch her mouth."
"Yea, well, you better watch your back." With that said, the ball was released and both captains made a go for it. Bickson was a second faster than Tidus and gained quick control over the ball. However, before he could pass it to anyone else, Tidus came up and kneed him in the stomach causing him to drop the ball.
Tidus quickly kicked the ball to Wakka on the right side of the sphere. The blond smirked at Bickson before taking of down the sphere. The next ten minutes were a constant struggle over ownership of the ball.
It was becoming very intense and both sides were taking some beating, the ball was on the Vikings side of the court and Graav took a shot on the goal. Keepa managed to block the shot and pass it to Jassu. With the ball in the Viking's possession, the three forwards took off to the opposite side of the sphere.
Kerri watched them with a strange curiosity. She understood fully what they were going to attempt, when she saw Jassu pass the ball to Datto who passed the ball to Gippal. Most of the Lions, save for one, were down by the Viking's goal. The Vikings were passing the ball up the court, away to the opposite goal.
Kerri was sitting on the edge of her seat, waiting to see what happened. 'I really hope this works.'
By the time the Lions realized what was going on, Gippal had passed the ball to Tidus, who was past mid court. Tidus held the ball, drawing out the Lions sole defender. When the opposition had gotten close enough, he passed the ball to Wakka, who took the shot on the goal. It seemed as if time had slowed up as the ball made its way towards the goal. Raudy made a dive to block the ball…
"GOAL!" Kerri screamed out as she jumped out of her seat. The whole Viking's side of the arena went into an uproar. "We did it" she screamed as she broke out into her legendary happy dance.
When the team exited the sphere, Gippal ran over to her, lifted her off the ground and spun her round. "We won!"
She grabbed his hand as he spun her, "I know, but you keep spinning me like this, I'm going to lose my lunch."
He laughed as he set her down. She turned and face him. He had a huge smile on his face, "We're going to Zanarkand!"
She grabbed his hands and jumped around, "I know, I'm sooo excited!" She looked over to her left to see everyone crowded around Wakka. She let go on Gippal and she took a running jump at Wakka. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and one arm around his neck, while the other ruffled his hair. "Way to go, Wakka!"
He put his hands on her legs to help support her. "Heh, it was nothin', ya?"
"Nothing? You scored the winning goal. You're the man, Wakka!" Kerri said as the coach came over to them.
"This was a very well played game and I'm proud of all of you. Now we'll be practicing even harder for Zanarkand, but since you did so well today, you have off Monday Tuesday and Wednesday."
"Alright!" Tidus cheered, "Party at Wakka's!"
"Yea! Party at my pla… wait what!" Wakka said as he pumped his fist in the air.
Kerri jumped down off Wakka's back and yelled out, "To Wakka's!"
"Alright, everyone let's go to Wakka's to celebrate!" Gippal shouted as he took Kerri's hand.
Wakka sighed before saying, "Alright, Everyone my house!
Taking a safety precaution, the teams had to meet their families outside in the parking lot. Yuna ran and glomped Tidus practically knocking him down. "I wanted to come down and heal you guys, but they wouldn't let me by!"
He kissed her forehead. "It's ok, we're fine."
Gippal brought Kerri's hand to his lips and kissed it. "I'll be right back, I'm going to tell my family what's going down, then I'll drive us to Wakka's"
She nodded and walked towards Tidus and Auron. When she got there, they were talking to someone else. She slipped between Tidus and Auron and looked at the third man. Her mouth fell ajar.
He smiled at her and said, "You did great, sweetie."
She leapt at him, wrapping her arms around his neck, "How... when… why didn't anyone tell me!"
He wrapped his arms around her waist as he said, "Surprise?"
"You know I hate surprises, Dad. But… you're all better?" she asked as she looked him over.
He shook his head no. "No, but… we'll discuss it fully tomorrow. I promise, besides you have a victory party to go to."
As if on cue, Gippal pulled up in his truck. "Come on, Ker Bear."
She looked at her father skeptically, "You'll be here tomorrow right?"
He nodded, "And I'll tell you everything. Ok?" He looked through the window of Gippal's truck. "Hey, Gippal. How ya been?"
Gippal smiled as he said, "I'm fine. You're feeling better, Mr. Muratore?"
"Call me Scott and yes, I'm feeling a bit better," he said as he stuck his head in the car, "No, take care of my daughter tonight, because if something happens to her, I'll kick your ass. Got it?"
Gippal smirked, "Don't worry, I will."
"Besides, my other father, Tidus, will be there too," she said as she hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. "I'll talk to you later."
888
As everyone went to Wakka's house, Paine called everyone into the living room. "I wanted to show you all something that I've been working on."
"What is it?" Kerri asked as she sat on Gippal's lap.
"You'll see," she replied as she popped the video into the VCR. She walked over to the couch and leaned on the arm of the chair.
"Blitzball: Does it bring out the Best or Worst in people?"
Kerri and Gippal exchanged glances as they continued watching. The video continued to show bits and pieces of games and practices. After showing some action in the sphere, Paine's voice came up on the TV. "That's what everyone sees, but what about behind the scenes?"
Tidus' eyes widened, "Uh… this could be embarrassing…"
Kerri cringes as she watched herself on the tape. She was walking with a towel over her head, drying her hair. It wasn't too bad, until she flipped over the bench and hit the floor. "Ouch," Gippal commented at the sight.
The next scene was of Wakka on the bench, his arms were crossed and he was talking ot himself, when a Blitz Ball came out of no where and smacked him aside the head. The camera switched to Tidus scratching the back of his head, "Sorry Wakka…"
The next scene was of Tidus running by screaming, "I said I was sorry!"
Gippal laughed, "Guess Wakka isn't so forgiving…"
But before anyone could reply, Kerri came into view carrying a show, "Come back here, Tidus!"
Gippal looked at his girlfriend, "…or not."
The scene continued to see Auron walk by carrying Kerri over his shoulder, "Let me go! I'll kill him!" Tidus was walking slowly behind them, rubbing his head.
Paine's voice came over the TV again. "I wonder, are they ok in the head?"
"Yes! He scored!" Kerri was seen performing her legendary 'happy dance.'
Everyone laughed out loud at the sight of Kerri and her happy dance. "Oh my God!" Kerri shrieked. "I can't believe you go that on tape!" Paine shrugged and motioned to the TV.
"But she isn't alone. You think that is bad? This is her boyfriend." Everyone burst into hysterics as Gippal was seen doing his own spastic version of the Happy Dance. "And… this is her brother."
Tidus was seen doing a combination of Kerri and Gippal's Happy Dance. Kerri was rolling with laughter. "Did you see him wiggle his butt at the end?" she exclaimed in between gasps for air.
"But it isn't just the players. The fans are just as bad." The video showed Yuna and Rikku jumping and screaming at the sphere. It moved to Lulu and Baralai screaming too. The laughter was the loudest when the tape showed Scott and Auron getting into the game.
"But I guess there is some good to it…" The scene showed Kerri running with an ice pack for Wakka. Then it showed Gippal helping a limping Tidus to the bench where Yuna was waiting to heal him. It switched to Tidus dabing a small cut on Kerri's forehead. And then showing Kerri jumping into Gippal's arms where they shared a kiss. Finally, the video switched to Paine. "Well, I guess it does both. Best and Worst. Though they're crazy, they're my crazy friends and I guess… it's cool…" She shrugged, "Whatever…"
The video shut itself off. Kerri stared wide eyed at the TV screen. "We must destroy this!"
Tidus nodded, "I agree… I'm doing the Happy Dance…"
"So am I!" Kerri and Gippal yelled at the same time. Paine smirked, took the tape and put it away. "Paine…" Kerri said, "Give me the tape…"
She shook her head, "I think I'll keep it in my bag for… safe keepings."
Kerri, Tidus, and Gippal glared at her as she shrugged and walked away.
888
As the hours passed, the house was packed with people and music was booming throughout it. Half the people were drunk and making out with some random person. Wakka and Lulu were in the backyard talking, Rikku was kicking ass in DDR, Tidus and Yuna were 'cuddling' together on the couch, Baralai was chasing Paine who was looking to kill the person who touched her ass, and Kerri and Gippal were dancing together in a corner.
He had one hand around her waist as her back was pressed to his chest. Her body rubbed against his as she swayed to the music. He bent his neck down and kissed her neck as his hand slipped under her jersey and caressed her bare torso.
She closed her eyes and tilted her head to the left as she ran her hands up his side and a soft sound emitted from her mouth that sounded like, "mmm…"
He brought his kisses up her neck to her mouth. She sifted her body around so that she was facing him. He wrapped both his arms around her waist as she slipped his tongue into her mouth.
She brought her hands up to his head, allowing her fingers to run through his blonde hair. As their tongues caressed, he ran his hand up her spine sending a chill down her back.
So involved with each other, they didn't notice Tidus walk up behind Gippal. Using the back of his hand, he smacked Gippal, causing him to bump heads with Kerri. "Ow," the couple cried out as they pulled apart, grabbing their heads.
Kerri rubbed her forehed, "Didn't I take enough blows to the head during Blitz?"
"What the hell?" Gippal growled as he turned around.
Tidus stood there with his arms crossed oer his chest. "Slow down there, Sparky. That's my little sister."
Kerri pursed her lips, "Alright, 'Big Bro,' like you and Yuna weren't rounding first and heading the second over there on the couch," she spat back. His chcesk slightly reddened as Kerri nodded her head. "That's right, I saw you two."
"Still you two were the center of attention over here," Tidus said sending her a stern look.
Gippal draped an arm over her shoulder. "Can we help it if we're beautiful and everyone likes to stare?"
She smirked and nodded. Tidus looked at them with a skeptic look, "Listen, you're not even drunk, so there is absolutely no excuse for there to be little Gippals and Kerris to be running around."
The Blond Al Bhed raised an eyebrow, "So if we were drunk it's ok?" He held up his hand. "Two beers please." He laughed when he saw Tidus' glare.
Kerri smiled and shook her head, "Ti, don't worry, we got everything under control…"
"Yea, I've got protection," Gippal cut in.
"Gippal!" Kerri shrieked as she slapped him, "I meant, we won't be doing anything unmoral."
"You better not, or I'll kick both your asses," he said sternly as he walked away.
The couple exchanged glances before shrugging and going back to enjoying the party.
888
A/N: I HOPE IT'S okkk… well um REVIEW! PLEASE! FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS CUTE AND FLUFFY! I'm kind upset I only got… like….9 reviews for the last chapter… oh well… -shrugs-
Thank You:
Chaka the Chopstick Ninja: Yea, I know. But hey, this is Kerri Muratore we're talking about – and she has Tidus for a 'brother' who went through something similar with his mother, seeing as how he hates his father.. but we'll see what happens.. remember two chapters left.. don don don
Emmy-miester: That thought never even crossed my mind. I hate those kind of stories. I watched a movie like that, it was called 'Sole Survivor' and it was about this girl who's friend were slowly being killed off one by one until she was the only one left and then it ends with her waking up from a coma with all her friend alive an the whole movie was a dream I was like.. –twitch-
Gigglygal: I know, everyone's upset but.. what can I do? Sowwy.
Leah: That's what you think, when in reality I have Mr. TV and you have Mrs. TV muahahahaa! Lol mm Pizza now I'm hungry… thanks!
Auron's Fan: hiyaaaa! Woot! A new reviewer –hands you a totally wicked sticker- welcome! AwWwww –feels totally awesome- thanks for putting me on your C2! –dances- and I know I have absolutely no right to say this but eh that ok, so anyway.. update soon… pleasee –begs-
Sly: woo –throws confetti- I updated! I know it only took me long enough right? SORRY! But as you saw above.. losta of things happened.. Sorry bout ruining the chapter with humor, I couldn't help it.. it was just… too sad and I was like gyah! Depression!
Akiraine of Gia: Yea I want the Advent Children movie too it looks soooo awesome –jumps around like a maniac- Yea my friends aren't really into FF either and forget my family they're all like Final Fantasy…? What? Lol awww man you dad thought Cloud was a girl? Damnn lol Australia has dingoes! I mean comeee on DINGOES! Lol, maybe I will come to New Zealand… -ponders- heh I'm saying this like I have this money to travel the world or something.. yea.. right… I live in the good ol USA and as I right this reply its noon, though when I update it'll probably by like 9pm.. and three days after this lol
Anuy Dreamer: I'll read over it as soon as I can, I did it the other day and it was a good start there are just some thing you need to fix up and as soon as I get the chance to I'll give you a few pointers, just haven't been able to do it yet I apologize! And thanks –smiles-
loveable-M: Well I'm glad you liked it, and yeaa I know everyone feels bad for her… Sorry again for the longgggg wait..
Reyavie: awesome you are my 250 reviewer so here ya go –hands you a radioactive blue badger- I'm glad you like the story.. but there aren't just 19 chapter.. which I guess you'll find out now .. lol whoopsie… heh well hope you continue to enjoy it!
NeRrr: I agree, but don't care it was funny, I actually put it in my favorites- cause just heh.. wow.. ok well see you… ahh in a week school starts! –flees while flailing arms in the air-
Normally, I just let flames go by with a 'thank you for your time and I respect your opinion and that's it.. seeing as how I really only got like 1 of these before this one, but due to popular demand that I reply to it.. I will lol
Lucky: -throws hands in air and chants along with you- Mary Sue! Wooo! –get pom poms out and dances- Let me hand it to you, I mean I don't know how you possibly discovered it was a self insert! I mean they only call her Ker and my pen name is 'Da KeR MySteRrr' and if you click on my profile pages.. –gasp- my name is there! Holyyy criZnapp, must say though, you are quite the detective I would have never figured it out! Yea, she had a traumatic past, ya know traumatic past don't only exist in fiction stories, ya wanna hear a sad story.. you email me.. and I'll give you a history of my 17 years of life.. k? I'll give you that much, when I started writing it, she was made a little tooo perfect, but hey my first fic, started it back in October of '04 so ya know… I've gotten this Braska comment before.. Ok.. well number 1 .. he doesn't have to be dead if I don't want him to be.. this is a fiction story if I wanted her to be the prophesized Messiah, daughter of Auron who never had relations with a woman I could make it happen and it would be acceptable since it's my creative work! and number 2.. In the game, he brought Jecht along on his pilgrimage… when Jecht was in jail… but you find it weird that he would take in a 17 year old girl with no place to go? Oh.. ok… and you do know that Tidus is supposed to be from Zanarkand, as is his dad, so why not point that out? Oh because everyone uses it and its accepted by others… The mustang comment, so what? Let's think there aren't any cars in Spira, but it might be alittle odd if her dad bought her a shoopuff… that might be alittle hard to park in the school parking lot, that doesn't exist either, because heyy! Besaid doesn't have a high school.. or a club… and Dona doesn't live there either! The mother thing.. is explain in later chapters.. which you couldn't bare to read oh well your loss… Well as much as I would love to sit here and discuss a few other things with you, however I can't because you reviewed annomously, really nice buddy. At least have the deceny to review with an account if you're going to review so… nicely… sweet heart. If this had been earlier in the story this might have caused me to stop writing.. however… 251 reviews , 2388 Hits, and 4 C2 communites later… it doesn't really phase me all that much.. so here's what I have to say, "Thanks for your time and the laugh, I respect your opinion.. Have a nice day and don't come back!" –smiles- thanks!