I'll Be There (KH/FF fanfic)

Chapter 6: Cutest couples

Chapter 6:

Noctis had decided to visit you and would be staying in Zack's section of the RANGER building for about a week, since they had been old friends. You couldn't believe he had finally gotten into contact with you! Ever since you two got separated because of your father's fiasco you'd been in the dark with regards to his whereabouts. You showed off your training skills for him and he showed off his gorgeous girlfriend, Stella, to you.

You were even more ecstatic to learn that he would be going to tomorrow's ball, with Stella of course, too. In fact, all of your friends from the party would be going, a few with surprise dates. You didn't plan on going with anyone and since Rikku and Yuffie were dateless too you figured that you three could go as a trio (girl power!). Yuna was usually part of your group but she started going out with Tidus, who had already asked her to be his date. You pictured yourself dancing in a gorgeous dress and were thoroughly enjoying your fantasy until...

"Dinner, _____!" Cloud shouted from across the hall, breaking through your thoughts like a knife through butter.

"OKAY!!" You yelled back.

"Wear something nice! I don't want you running around in shorts and a t-shirt all the time! We have guests!" he reminded you.

"Cloud, I'm pretty sure my brother's seen me in these clothes plenty of times! Why does it matter?!" You whined.

"Stella's joining us for dinner tonight," he finished, poking his head through your open door.

You sighed lightly. "Okay, fine, I'll wear something nice," you said, admitting defeat.

"Good girl!" Cloud laughed as you smiled.

You pushed him out of your room, locked the door, and sorted through your closet until you found a decent, light blue sundress with a longer back than front. Hey, it was summer, after all. As soon as you got dressed, you tiptoed toward the dining hall and peeked around the corner to see Noctis with his arms around a stunning blonde girl. He gently kissed her cheek and wrapped his arms around her as she rested her head against his chest. You felt someone tap you on the shoulder and turned around to see Cloud with a finger pressed to his lips.

"They're cute together, huh?" he asks.

"Heh, yeah, they are," you reply cheerfully.

"But nothing compared to me and Tifa," he chuckles.

You shook your head and stepped out into the dining hall. "Hello, you must be Stella!" you say cordially, holding out your hand. "I'm _____, Noctis's sister.

Stella beams at you. "It's a pleasure to meet you, _____."

When everyone is seated, you savor the delicious foods that the cook has made. Lavender-rose lemonade, rosemary-steak, summer berry salad, butter bread, and a light, creamy cake are just a few of the delicacies that had been prepared. But in spite of all of the company and food, you couldn't stop thinking about the ball. Cloud must have read your mind because you heard him clear his throat before announcing:

"So, about that ball tomorrow..."