?


    Lizzie bowed her head at Tidus and turned to leave when Frank called out from the bed, "Wait!"


    "Huh?" Lizzie turned toward him, puzzled.


    "I''m Frank Lawrence, Tidus''... Ahem, boss."


    Frank stared at her as he asked. "What''s your name?"


    "I''m Lizzie." The girl bowed her head respectfully.


    "May I have the lunchbox you made for Tidus?" Frank then asked gingerly with a wink.


    Then, feeling that he might being on too quickly, he added in embarrassment, "I just happened to be hungry."


    "Sure."


    Lizzie nodded and smiled. "I cooked enough for five people-Tidus has many friends, and they''re always with him." "Oh, you''re so kind." Frank sighed softly. "Tidus-"


    Before he could finish, he found Tidus frowning at Lizzie. "Are you going to make another attempt, bumpkin?"


    Lizzie said nothing, and Tidus buried his face in his palms and sighed. "You''re such a brat..."


    He then turned toward Frank. "Can I apply for a day''s leave, chief?"


    "Nope." Frank refused right away, leaving Tidus scowling.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "Frank!" Winter smacked him on the shoulder a little usingly. "Ahem... That is, unless..."


    Frank''s solemn look suddenly turned into a cunning smile. "Unless your take responsibility for Lizze from now on. You can have a day off... Or even two, for that matter."


    "What...?"


    While Tidus was stumped, Frank added solemnly, "What, you''re a big man, but you can''t agree to that much? I could see that you''re interested too, unless I''m wrong?"


    "No, but-"


    "Well, then that''s decided."


    Frank shrugged before Tidus could say more "Go hang out anywhere you like for the next couple of days, like the amusement park or whatever. Remember, be responsible."


    "Urgh... Fine," Tidus scratched his head, fuming as he nced at Lizzie.


    Her cheeks were flushed-she obviously liked him, which was why she was always hovering around him.


    And while Tidus appeared reluctant, he obviously felt sympathetic after hearing about her tragic past.


    et


    Frank''s intention in letting Tidus have a couple of days off was simple too-those two could use that time to find out if they could make things work, since there was a gap in their respective statuses.


    Everyone would be happy if it did, and Tidus would have a wife too.


    If it did not and Lizzie could not ept the real Tidus, he could just give her money for an amicable parting.


    "Yeah. Maybe I should be a matchmaker from now on." Frank chuckled to himself, rubbing his chin.


    Winter casted him an exasperated look, because his assistance was simply old-fashioned.


    Their love life could be a total mess, but they could somehow act like an expert as they advised their friends and even feel good about it.


    Why were men always like that?