Proverbial Revitalization

Written by Whimsical Symphony

Thank you for all the comments and constructive criticism for last chapter. Here is the next. I hope you all enjoy.

Chapter 7 - Smile

Tidus looked at Cetan with a glare, who in turn looked at Yuna with confusion, who then looked from one to the other, not quite certain what to say. Tidus felt a bout of irritation and frustration well up at the thought that his alone time with Yuna would be interrupted by the last person he wanted to see at the current moment. He remembered their brief moment of respite as they laughed, as she comforted him because of one of the many times he cried tears for his stupid old man.

He remembered Dona and how she would smirk at him and tell him to stop being a crybaby, so similar to Jecht he wanted to laugh. Yuna made him feel special, like crying didn't make him wimpy in any way. He appreciated it and maybe they would have become better friends if Cetan didn't interrupt them – the asshole who felt it prudent to go out with Dona while Tidus and she still dated. He suddenly remembered exactly why he was at the Machina in the first place, drinking himself into a stupor. All the beer in the world couldn't make dealing with Dona and Cetan less painful and aggravating. His teammate Kiryl lessened it a bit when he occasionally told Cetan to back off and go home, but the guy had his own problems to deal with, problems that seemed so similar to his own.

Cetan looked at Yuna. "She didn't break in?" he asked dumbly, examining the woman in front of him – a short bob of brown hair, strangely different coloured eyes and a sweet, cute face. He decided upon the 'girl next door' type, not really a bombshell like Dona, but pleasant all the same. "Nice to meet you, I'm Cetan." He gave her what he thought was the most charming smile and stuck out a hand for her to shake, which she did so reluctantly.

"I'm Yuna," she answered, pulling back her own hand quickly, putting them in her lap, looking pretty darn nervous. Cetan looked at the small blush staining her cheeks and wondered why she was at Tidus' house.

"Hmm, never thought she'd be your type, Ti'," Cetan mused, looking from his teammate to the mysterious, shy girl sitting beside him. Yuna, she said her name was, looked alarmed at being referred to as such. "She seems kind of innocent for you."

Tidus sighed, wondering why Yevon decided to punish him by letting the idiot be so untactful. Sure, he'd never really dedicated his life to praying, or even part of his day really, but he hadn't done anything wrong so that had to count for something. He also wondered why Cetan thought he knew what Tidus' type was. He just compared every female to Dona – who, by the way, he thought paled in comparison to understanding Yuna. She wasn't sexy but she was completely and utterly adorable. Tidus admitted he only recently grew the balls to admit he much preferred adorable over sexy. He could imagine Rikku laughing at him if he told her, spurting the drink she had in her mouth directly at him.

Upon looking at Yuna's expression, a little bit sad, almost as if she didn't think she'd be good enough, his annoyance toward Cetan piqued. He didn't like that gloomy expression on a face that nearly always smiled. And, he did much prefer Yuna over Dona anyway.

"Yuna a good friend. She's the daughter of Braska – it'd be good not to be a complete ass, Cetan," Tidus told him, grabbing the beer straight from his hands. "She's way better than your cheating girlfriend. If she was with you when she was with me, then she's probably with one of the other guys as well. I wouldn't put it past her." He plopped down on the open seat beside Yuna and slung a comforting arm over her shoulder. She noticeably relaxed, which he was happy about her. He somewhat expected her to pull away from him, a rosy blush staining her cheeks as he would look at her, amused at her innocence. But he was happier with it this way, strangely enough. He felt his annoyance fade, and then, warmth. He knew confusion when he felt it. It must have been the drinks from earlier taking a toll on him. That must've been why he felt a little feverish and like he got a bit of a headache.

"She was with me when she was with you," Cetan repeated. "That's 'cause you're second best when it comes to me, Ti', everyone is. There's no one else but me to turn to." When Cetan said that, it reminded him uncomfortably of his stupid old man; it was specifically when he used to insult Tidus' shitty Blitzball skills as a kid. He always wondered just how awful his old man was, especially to insult a kid. He tensed uncomfortably, clenching the fist not visible to his teammate.

"That's not true!"

Tidus actually had to ascertain he heard that right. Yuna, the shy girl from Bevelle, conservative daughter of Braska, a man who never raised his voice, raised her voice. She raised her voice to defend Tidus. He felt strangely happy even though the delicate woman looked ready to give his captain a good scolding. Not that he didn't deserve it.

"Tidus is a wonderful person – you don't have a right to call him second best," Yuna exclaimed, clenching her fists against her skirt, wrinkling the flawless material. "You know, I always wanted to see a Blitzball game in the stadium all lit up at night, in Zanarkand. I really want to see Tidus play as the Star Player of the Abes; it's not just a title, he earned it!" Yuna knew he had, especially working so hard to escape from his father, the legendary Jecht's, shadow. Cetan couldn't berate him like he had.

Tidus felt himself flush uncharacteristically. He patted Yuna's shoulder once. "Calm down, Yuna. It's okay, really."

She shook her head in reply, silently saying that it wasn't. He wondered what she thought, with her lips drawn into a tight line, her eyebrows furrowed.

Suddenly, Cetan looked embarrassed and flushed as red as a beetroot. "Uh, sorry, Lady Yuna." It only just occurred to him that he was speaking to a very important person, currently. He idly wondered if this was the reason Tidus stuck by her, but by the almost caring look upon his face as he looked as Yuna, he threw that thought aside. Tidus wasn't the type to use someone – even he could admit that. "I shouldn't have said that."

"I don't like when people talk down to others. You two are teammates, aren't you?" she whispered. "I would like to see the Zanarkand Abes win the championship…" she admitted, fiddling with her fingers, looking anywhere but at Tidus and Cetan. "Your team is the one I've chosen to cheer for. I want to support Tidus, to support your entire team…" Though she finished with an almost wistful smile, Tidus couldn't help but think she looked a little embarrassed – and who wouldn't really, when she'd spilled out all her emotions like that, like it was a glass overflowing, being tipped over, its contents spilling onto the hard floor. And Tidus felt honoured. She said earlier she'd cheer for his team when she put the garlands around each team captain's neck, but to hear that she'd cheer for him as well brought a whole new feeling. To see those eyes of hers light up because of thinking of a Blitzball game that included him, his chest clenched, though not from pain. He could imagine her sitting in a seat somewhere he could see, so focused on his game, her smile wide, her hands clasped, as she followed his form through the water when he scored a goal. Then she would attempt to whistle, like he showed her when he first met her and he would look directly at her, attempting to reach to her from the watery depths, sending her a grin that she'd remember for a long time. He wanted her to remember his goals, his playing. He never felt more motivated to win a tournament and look flashy while doing so for a long time now.

"It's an honour," Cetan exclaimed, nearly speechless. He wondered if Tidus slept with her for the girl to be so loyal but then looked at her, saintly, not at all like Dona, so much innocence – he hadn't. Yuna for some reason, just felt attached to Tidus.

"Yeah," Tidus mumbled, surprised still at Yuna's outburst. He stood up and gave her his hand to which she took reluctantly, still feeling a bit filled with heat, not having the energy to look at him. He found that he wanted her to, though. "Hey, I should take you back. Your old man's going to worry then, isn't he?"

Yuna nodded and said, "Thank you." Nothing more than a small whisper.

Tidus looked at Cetan though, a much harsher look upon his face than when he previously dealt with Yuna. "Can you get out of my house in the meantime?"

Cetan didn't answer, turned on his television and began to watch as he sipped his beer. Tidus sighed and led Yuna out by the hand, trying not to think about Cetan in his house, and instead on how nice Yuna's hand felt in his own. He just hoped that when he got back, he wouldn't have to deal with a wasted Cetan conked out on his couch again.

"One more time and I swear I'll throw him outside when he's passed out," he muttered bitterly. "I know Dona wouldn't give two shits to find her boyfriend missing, but would Cetan know that?" He found himself strangely pitying the man. He wondered if this was why he let him get away with so much. After all, he had been in the same position with Dona once before, and ever the manipulator, he never realized she never cared about him. Sure, he knew their relationship wasn't based on love since he mostly just found her attractive, but he thought that with the title of boyfriend and girlfriend, there came at least a little care. Dona didn't seem to have it though. Tidus found he spent a little too much time and effort on her – because he did like to have a pretty girl on his arm, he'd admit – but also because he at least cared for her a little.

He wondered how much time of his life he wasted with her. Yuna looked at his expression, lost in thought, a little dismayed. She wondered what the strange feeling welling up inside of her was, like she fell into water and faced the continuous feeling of drowning, her throat closing up, inhaling water, and the lonely expanse around her of blue having no bottom, just the deep dark seas as it continued to push her further and further. She wondered why it appeared when they'd mentioned Dona, that Tidus used to be with her. Yuna thought back to what Rikku said, that he dated many girls, and wondered why she felt the way she did if she found him to be a special friend.

The walk was silent, almost uncomfortable. Of course, the festivities went on around them regardless of what they thought. Yuna, looking to the left, passed a street performer collecting quite a crowd – a woman dressed in clothes of the night, exposing by Bevelle standards. She blew flames all around the amazed crowd into shapes and figures. It even enchanted Yuna. But perhaps, she wanted to also get her mind off of this silent Tidus, then suddenly, she felt guilty. She knew she didn't want to pay attention because she still felt bothered by the thought of a faceless woman named Dona, one who decided to throw Tidus away. Yuna wondered if he still was hurt because of that, and decided that he probably was. After all, who wouldn't be?

Tidus suddenly let go of her hand and turned to her, a sheepish grin on his face. "Sorry about that. Cetan can be a bit of an ass." He didn't want to tell her how irritated he was that Dona kept popping up into his life where he least wanted her. Even when not there physically, she managed to worm her way in indirectly. Tidus hated it, he hated how much of a mistake he made by getting involved with her at all. He didn't want to tell Yuna about Dona at all, to be honest. Tidus didn't want to let her in on what an immature kid he'd been, just wanting a trophy girlfriend.

"It's not your fault," Yuna told him, a small smile on her face. "And in any case, I have to support you two. You are from the same team!" He smiled at her softly in reply, wondering how some girl he'd met on the streets of Zanarkand actually began to mean something to him. He wasn't sure in what way at all – but he remembered how Rikku described him, a guy who dated lots of girls. She hadn't been wrong either. But Yuna, a girl, somehow managed to be different to him. Somehow – he didn't want to think about it anymore.

"So, uh, where are we heading?" Tidus asked, scratching the back of his neck somewhat awkwardly. At her confused look, he continued, "You know, to drop you off? I can't leave you by yourself can I? It's dangerous at night." He grinned. "And you can't whistle yet, can you? So I can't really come running to find you."

"That's true," she said softly with a chuckle. "I'll learn eventually though, just you watch." She looked awful determined, and Tidus couldn't help but chuckle, finding her adorable yet again. "It's the Embassy near the Blitz Stadium." Tidus nodded, figuring she'd be staying at an important place like that. He still never quite believed that the girl beside him was Braska's daughter while he, while pretty well-known, was a Blitzball player. And to think someone like her was even interested in the sport. He felt kind of honoured, in a way.

Then, all the tension vanished and they walked side by side. Their hands never touched, their fingers never became intertwined, yet they felt so much more comfortable. Yuna still felt a little bothered about Dona, but decided it would be disrespectful to ask – especially since Tidus seemed as if he didn't want to say. Tidus on the other hand wondered why she spaced out often, why when he waved a hand in front of her face, she'd turn to him with a small blush painted on her cheeks. Their synchronized footsteps could be heard above all others in the night air. Even though so many people walked around them, in front of them, they felt isolated, like in their own shell, a bubble of tranquility amongst a bustling crowd filled with chatter.

They kept up light chatter while they walked, until when they reached their destination, a massive structure constructed from stone and marble, with a large dome overhead. It towered over them, really only fit for the most important individuals. His drunkard of an old man got invited once to discuss something or another, but only once. It was mostly for politicians, after all.

She turned to him, standing on the steps, her skirt swishing around her when she turned to face him. A small, shy smile on her lips formed and she stared directly at him before turning away, flushing. "I suppose, I'll see you later then…" Yuna said this uncertainly, and for some reason, it made him hurt. He realized, seeing her frown made him frown, seeing her smile made him smile. Maybe it was because he saw her as a closer friend now.

When she turned around, prepared to go inside, taking a small step on the staircase, he called, "Yuna!" She turned around and he whistled with his two fingers in his mouth like he'd taught her. A pink blush on her cheeks, a small smile - she saluted and said, "Yes sir!"

He laughed, "Good you promised you'd come running when I whistled, didn't you?" She nodded with that same smile painted on her lips, delicate like pink petals falling from the blossomed trees in spring. He nervously shifted from one foot to the other, digging one of his shoes into the pavement, before he said, "Hey, would you like to come see the Abes practice tomorrow? I can give you this." He took out a small slip of paper from his shorts and showed it to her. "This'll allow you to get past the back entrance, though I doubt you'll have any issues, being Braska's daughter and all." He paused a little awkwardly, but looked at her expectantly. "So, you interested?"

Yuna took the pass from him and held it to her chest, somewhat shocked he'd even ask her. She smiled at him and said, "I would love to. I want to see you play." And the wholehearted, sincere way in which she said this, how she kept her eyes on him telling him she really would love to see him play, made him blush. Even though he'd dated lots of girls in the past, entertained many female fans, just been in the company of many females in general, none of them ever managed to be so interested as to watch him play as her. Sure, they liked Blitzball, they liked to watch them play – but, they never loved it. Tidus was there for the sole purpose of being that good looking Star Player they had on their arms; they watched him swim though the water because they were obligated to, not paying attention to his glides, how he'd pass the ball, how long he'd try to be better than his old man, how hard he worked to be great at Blitzball. They only cared about the goal, the thrill that came out of it when he'd have some stupid gesture to show her, that girl in the third row, fifth seat from the left, that he won that goal for her. Nah, not really.

But Yuna made him want to show her glides and passes and goals just for her. Tidus wanted to show off, to impress her, to make her eyes glow alight with flames of passion like she did when she first came to Zanarkand, looking around like she'd never seen any place like it before – not that she had really, she lived in Bevelle all her life, the innocent girl in front of him.

"Really," Tidus answered, perhaps more eager than he would have liked to admit. He had his pride to uphold though, he coughed clumsily, trying to get his mind off of the ardent flush which managed to streak across his face. Tidus never knew he'd ever blush around a girl. He never was nervous around them, flirting almost coming as naturally as Blitzball to him. "Uh, that's nice. Noon then?" he said, trying to recover his composure.

Tidus suddenly didn't want to go back. He didn't want to deal with Dona, or Cetan who most likely passed out on his couch. He didn't want to deal with any more problems in his life. He wanted neither to go to the Machina to have a couple drinks or a nice coffee. He wanted to see Yuna's face, he learned. He wanted to see that eager face about his Blitzball moves, about everything to do with Zanarkand. He wanted that proud gaze settled on him where his damn old man wouldn't give it to him, a simple compliment, nothing – where his mother wouldn't even dare give him the smallest compliment because she wanted to please him.

"Yes, noon. I'll… meet you there?" Yuna answered shifting from one foot to another, mirroring his movements from earlier. He nodded, giving her a bright grin like what she was used to. With a small smile in return, she said, "See you tomorrow, Tidus." And just as sweetly and daintily as she regularly moved, she almost seemed to dance inside with grace and fragility, a small chuckle heard on the wind.

Tidus decided he liked hearing her name from his lips and wanted to hear it more often. With Blitzball on his mind, or more specifically, how to impress Yuna at his practice with the Abes the next day, he departed back home, prepared now with a light heart to throw Cetan out of his house and deal with an irate Dona.

"All I have to do is think about Yuna's smile when dealing with that banshee, right?" he mumbled somewhat unsurely. He shook his head. "I'm not going to let her get to me this time."

It was with that thought in mind that he didn't let anything worry him anymore. Yuna's smile did that for him, strangely enough.

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