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SINS OF OUR FATHERS

Chapter Five: Friends and Foes

“Zanarkand...” Yuna hissed. She couldn’t believe what she was being told, although she knew the source to be impeccable. She could still see the knight’s, Tidus’... retreating form. He was smiling at her still, but the look on her own face she couldn’t begin to describe. What she had felt instantly was betrayal. But what had he really done, she was fairly sure he didn’t know who she was, and they didn’t get much of a chance to introduce each other. Something welled at the pit of her stomach. Once she could no longer see him, she turned to the figure in the shadows, “You are sure?” she asked hesitantly.

The man stepped out, he had long black hair pulled into a ponytail, it was sprinkled with grey. He wore a long red coat, and sunglasses that hid a terrible scar running across his left eye. “For certain.” He simply said, “It is best not to concern yourself with him further, the fewer that know of his presence here the better. We do not want to cause an incident where there is no need for one.”

Yuna bit her lip and nodded, “I won’t say anything Auron.”

He gave her a bow and walked off in the direction of her father’s office. Auron was her father’s best friend, and confidant, but she knew he was to be trusted not to say anything. He always kept his word.

Yuna felt like she was collapsing inside, why of all places did he have to be from Zanarkand, she asked herself. Why do you care so much, another voice inside of her head asked, it’s only a place, he’s still a person. She shut her eyes, this was all too much. No matter where he was from, or who he was... she still knew that moments ago they had shared something. An energy had passed between them, and she had sensed neither hostility nor danger in him. Maybe we could see each other again sometime, she pondered but then quickly dismissed the thought, Oh yeah Yuna, I can just see that conversation right now: Hey Daddy, I’m just going to go to Zanarkand and visit someone who just happens to be the son of your worst enemy. Have a good afternoon! But wait, she remembered, I think I heard his friend say something about Gippal... maybe I should ask Rikku if she knows him. Surely they don’t really know who he is though... do they...

Yuna was quickly snapped out of her thoughts by her Father and Seymour who were coming towards her, both with huge smiles on their faces. This meant trouble for Yuna, she could tell.

Braska walked up to her placing a hand on her shoulder, “Well my dear I have some very happy news to tell you.” He motioned for Seymour to step closer and he did. “Seymour and I have been talking, and it would seem my dear...” he paused to put his other hand on Seymour’s shoulders, “... that this young man would like to make you a bride.”

It was at that moment... that her world came crashing down around her.

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Tidus rubbed his eyes; it hadn’t been easy dragging Chappu all the way back to Gippal’s house. This task had been made complicated when they had run into some ladies on the sidewalk. Chappu had tried as best he could in his drunken stupor to make conversation with them, and flirt a little. All in all it had been a disaster and the girls were offended by something or other that he had said. Tidus and Wakka had eventually been able to coerce Chappu back to Gippal’s and into his bed where he was now snoring loudly enough to be heard all over the house.
Tidus now flopped exhaustedly down onto the living room couch that was to serve as his bed. Originally the three of them were going to head back to Besaid Island the next morning but, Gippal had insisted they stay for awhile, to get acquainted with the town, and just have some fun. Tidus had been uncertain, he didn’t like the idea of being in Bevelle too long because, no matter how pretty it was, it was still enemy territory, and he didn’t want to end up facing the wraith of his brother or of any Bevellians. He shuttered to think of what would happen to him, if his true identity surfaced. Wakka had done his best to remove Tidus’ fears, saying that they would only be staying a few weeks and there was no way anyone could find out. In the end it had been decided that they would stay for awhile, and Tidus had agreed. There was at least one thing that made staying in Bevelle worthwhile... if he stayed, he might be able to find her again.

Since the minute he had laid eyes on her, she had been constantly filling his mind. He was starting to think that maybe something was wrong with him; he wasn’t usually like this about girls. Somehow she had managed to get under his skin; he didn’t know how... it didn’t even make sense. He didn’t even know her name! He made it his silent vow, to find her... just so he could figure out what was going on in his mind. He could picture her as if she was in front of him, shoulder-length brown hair, pale skin, adorable smile, and those hypnotic blue and green bi-colored eyes. He had never before seen anything like them in his life. He laid there daydreaming about her, when finally he opened his eyes he saw a hand waving up and down in front of his face.

“Yo, Spira to Tidus,” Wakka was saying.

“Huh? Yeah? What? Sorry Wakka... I think I must have gapped out there for awhile.”

“Dat’s ok man, I just had to tell ya something. Gippal’s back, he said he got a message from Rikku sayin’ that her cousin needed somewhere to stay, I guess something happened that made her upset. Anyway, the only place not filled with guys is this room so uhhh... she kinda needs the couch.”

“Oh,” Tidus said, “That’s alright, but where am I gonna sleep?”

“Uhh... well Chappu, Me, and You got to fit into the same room.”

Tidus smacked his forehead, “Oh man... goodbye to any prospects of sleeping.”

Wakka just laughed and patted him on the back, “Rikku and her cousin will be here in an hour or so, I think they are both stayin’ here.” Wakka rolled his eyes.

“Awe common Wakka, Rikku’s not that bad!”

“You don’t know her as well as I do, ya!” He protested before walking back into another room.

Tidus stood up off of the couch and gathered up his things, best to clear them off now. He walked down the hallway to where the room he was staying in was situated. He rolled his eyes at the sound of Chappu’s snoring and opened the door. He dropped all of his things to the ground, which is where he would no doubt be sleeping since the room only contained one bed, and it was definitely occupied.

After making everything ready for when he decided to go to bed Tidus walked out of the room. He saw a door that led out to a small balcony. Fresh air might be a good idea, he thought to himself, maybe it’ll help clear my head.

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“No...” Yuna said, barely audible.

“What was that Yuna?” Braska’s eyes hardened slightly as he asked her.

Yuna felt as if she was free-falling off of Mt. Gagazet. Her father had already told Seymour she accepted his proposal, she knew it just by looking at him. She could feel tears at the back of her eyes but she couldn’t allow herself to show weakness in front of the two men before her. She gathered all her courage together for one quiet yet bold reply. “I said: No.”

Braska turned to Seymour with an apologetic look, “I’m sorry Lord Seymour I think the excitement of the night has overcome my daughter, she doesn’t understand what she’s saying.”

“But of course Lord Braska,” Seymour said, taking a bow to both Braska and Yuna. He then turned to her with a smile that seemed almost calculated, “Until our next meeting my lady.” With that he turned and exited down the large stairway.

Braska turned back to Yuna, fury evident on his face and in the tone of his voice. “Never cross me again Yuna,” he said, his finger pointing at her, “if I say you are to marry Seymour then that is what is going to happen,” his eyes narrowed even further, “do you understand.”

Yuna just stared at him, sure he’d been angry with her before but... the way he just glared at her. It made her feel like she had been ripped apart and only scraps remained. She couldn’t even muster a response to give to him. Feeling her will start to break she turned away from him, so he couldn’t see her tears. Using everything she had left, she started to walk towards her room, feeling defeated, and terribly alone.

Once Yuna had got to her room, she knew what she was going to do. Tears were openly streaming down her face. She went straight to her closet and dug out of it a small duffle bag. She opened it and began to fill it with clothing. She needed to contact Rikku to help her figure out how she was going to do what she was planning. After she had got all of her bag packed and everything in order, she sat down to the spherecomm and called Rikku.

“Hey Yunie, what’s up!” Rikku said cheerfully over the commsphere, then she saw her cousin’s face, “Oh no, Yunie, what’s wrong? Is everything okay?”

Yuna cleared her throat so that she would be able to speak, “Rikku, I need to find somewhere to go for a little while... you see my father, he wants... no he’s ordering me to marry Seymour.”

Rikku made a face of disgust; she had met him at the party, and wasn’t overly fond of what she saw.

“... So this is why I need your help. I need to hide out somewhere for awhile... to figure out what to do. Somewhere where my father can’t find me, or somewhere he wouldn’t look.”

“Oh for sure Yunie, anyway I can help I will!”

“Would you ask Gippal if I could maybe... crash there for a little while? Just until I figure out what to do. I know my father wouldn’t guess to look there.”

Rikku smiled brightly, “Of course Yunie! I’ll send him a message right now!”

Yuna smiled lightly at her cousin, “Thanks Rikku,” she said wiping away a few stray tears, “you’re a good friend.”

------------------------------------------------------------

The stars were shining brightly, and the cool night air breezed through Tidus’ blonde hair. He had been out on the balcony for awhile now, and was feeling more relaxed, and at ease, but the fresh air had done nothing to clear his mind of her. He wondered if they would ever meet again. He really hoped that they would, he felt as if he was connected to her somehow... and he needed to see her again.

He heard noises of people coming from the inside of the house, and it broke him out of his thoughts. “Rikku and her cousin must be here,” he said to himself. “Might as well go and say hello.”

Tidus opened the doors to the balcony, and walked down the hallway. He rolled his eyes as he could STILL hear Chappu snoring away. Everyone else it seemed was in the entrance room welcoming the guests. He made his way there, but upon arriving he stopped short in his tracks. It was her, she was Rikku’s cousin! He couldn’t even begin to imagine how lucky this was! Upon seeing him enter he saw her eyes light up as well and her lips curve up into delicate smile. It took him a moment to realize that other people were talking.

“Glad you made it Yuna, is everything alright?” Gippal was saying.

Her head turned towards Gippal, although her eyes stayed on him. “Yeah... I just needed to get away somewhere for awhile. Don’t tell my father I’m here alright.”

Yuna, the angel’s name was Yuna. He felt as though he could have died right then and he would have been happy, just knowing her name.

Yuna had thought that he might be there at Gippal’s, not that she would have admitted it to anyone, but it was partially the reason why she asked Rikku to take her there. Even knowing who he really was, he fascinated her, and she wanted to see him again. To know if now that she knew, could she still be attracted to him? At first she had been disappointed not to see him when she entered the house but, allaying all her fears he then walked through the hallway and into the room.

She could sense his shock at seeing her there, and she smiled at him when their eyes connected. He smiled back, well he gave her a shy, silly, version of a smile but it was completely adorable.

Gippal started talking to her and she answered him why she was there, and the warning not to tell her father. She was turned in the direction, but she had to really pry her eyes away from Tidus. Tidus, she liked his name... but wondered what he would introduce himself to her as. She had decided while packing that she wasn’t going to judge him for who he was, but she was still curious to what information he would let go.

They didn’t get much of a chance to talk for awhile. Gippal and Rikku showed her around the house, and the area where her and Rikku would be staying. She unpacked a little and got changed from her party dress into a simple black tank top and blue shorts. After everyone had gone back to their normal activities, she decided to go seek out Tidus.

Yuna looked all over the house and she couldn’t find where he had gone. Maybe he went to bed? She thought... it would make sense since it was pretty late. She walked by a room in the hallway and heard a loud noise coming through the door... it almost sounded like... someone snoring? It couldn’t be though, it was much too loud! She covered her ears as she walked by. She saw a door at the end of the hallway that looked like it lead outside to a veranda or a balcony. I think I’ll get some fresh air, she though and opened the door.

She could see the shadow of another figure, who had turned their head to see who was coming out of the door.

Tidus had returned to where he was previous to Yuna coming. She had been so busy with everyone else and getting settled in that they really hadn’t got much of a chance to talk. He hadn’t even introduced himself yet. So when he saw her coming through the balcony doors his face lit up in a smile, maybe they would get to talk after all.

“Hi” he said, startling her a little but she smiled back.

“Hi”

An awkward silence fell over them, neither knowing really what to say in this particular situation. Yuna decided to break the silence... “The wind... it’s nice.” She said, for lack of something better to say.

Tidus nodded in return “Mmhmm,” and then the silence covered over them again.

It was so awkward in fact that they both began to laugh. Yuna smiled, and Tidus ran a hand through his hair.

“So,” she said smiling, “we might as well introduce ourselves.”

Tidus grinned, “Sure,” he extended a hand to her, and she took it, “My name is...” he hesitated, swearing inwardly about not being able to give her his full name, “...Ti.” he finished.

Yuna smiled at him, he had told her partially his real name. She shook his hand, “I’m Yuna.”

They stood there for another moment, before Tidus said, “I’m glad I got to see you again... we didn’t get much time at the party.”

Yuna nodded and said, “I’m glad too. Are you staying here long?” she crossed her fingers behind her back, hoping that his answer would be yes.

“Yeah,” he said, “Wakka and Chappu... my friends, I think you met Wakka... and Chappu is the hideously loud noise coming from the bedroom down the hall...”

Yuna laughed, it really was snoring.

“... We’re staying here for a couple of weeks, then...” he paused again, “... heading home.”

“I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of each other then,” she said, “I don’t know how long I’ll be here for but, I’m guessing for a little while at least.”

“Yeah... I don’t mean to pry,” he said, “but you were saying something to Gippal about not telling your father that you’re here... you guys having some kind of fight?”

Yuna looked down, “Yeah, I guess you could call it that... my father and I... we don’t agree on something, something important, but my opinion doesn’t really matter to him.” She sighed, “The only things that matter are money and security.”

Tidus turned away from her and stared at the sky, “I know that people say this a lot but, I know how you feel. My father and I... we don’t exactly agree on everything either. Sometimes it gets really frustrating.”

Yuna nodded, “Yeah, it does.” She was surprised at how nice he was, how human, he had issues to deal with too. When she was little... she remembered the stories of Zanarkand. The people there were supposed to be hostile, and barbarians, who ate little children that wandered too far past the Calm Lands. Thinking of Tidus as something like this made her laugh, and she received a quizzical look from him.

“I was just thinking,” Yuna said, “how many people can all have the same problems, no matter how different they are.”

Tidus nodded and smiled at her in a way that made her heart flutter.

“I think I should get to bed, it’s getting pretty late and I’ve had a long day.” She said.

“Goodnight Yuna.” he said, watching her walk towards the door.

She turned around and flashed him a smile, “Goodnight Ti.” -dus, she thought.

Description
SINS OF OUR FATHERS

Chapter Five: Friends and Foes

“Zanarkand...” Yuna hissed. She couldn’t believe what she was being told, although she knew the source to be impeccable. She could still see the knight’s, Tidus’... retreating form. He was smiling at her still, but the look on her own face she couldn’t begin to describe. What she had felt instantly was betrayal. But what had he really done, she was fairly sure he didn’t know who she was, and they didn’t get much of a chance to introduce each other. Something welled at the pit of her stomach. Once she could no longer see him, she turned to the figure in the shadows, “You are sure?” she asked hesitantly.

The man stepped out, he had long black hair pulled into a ponytail, it was sprinkled with grey. He wore a long red coat, and sunglasses that hid a terrible scar running across his left eye. “For certain.” He simply said, “It is best not to concern yourself with him further, the fewer that know of his presence here the better. We do not want to cause an incident where there is no need for one.”

Yuna bit her lip and nodded, “I won’t say anything Auron.”

He gave her a bow and walked off in the direction of her father’s office. Auron was her father’s best friend, and confidant, but she knew he was to be trusted not to say anything. He always kept his word.

Yuna felt like she was collapsing inside, why of all places did he have to be from Zanarkand, she asked herself. Why do you care so much, another voice inside of her head asked, it’s only a place, he’s still a person. She shut her eyes, this was all too much. No matter where he was from, or who he was... she still knew that moments ago they had shared something. An energy had passed between them, and she had sensed neither hostility nor danger in him. Maybe we could see each other again sometime, she pondered but then quickly dismissed the thought, Oh yeah Yuna, I can just see that conversation right now: Hey Daddy, I’m just going to go to Zanarkand and visit someone who just happens to be the son of your worst enemy. Have a good afternoon! But wait, she remembered, I think I heard his friend say something about Gippal... maybe I should ask Rikku if she knows him. Surely they don’t really know who he is though... do they...

Yuna was quickly snapped out of her thoughts by her Father and Seymour who were coming towards her, both with huge smiles on their faces. This meant trouble for Yuna, she could tell.

Braska walked up to her placing a hand on her shoulder, “Well my dear I have some very happy news to tell you.” He motioned for Seymour to step closer and he did. “Seymour and I have been talking, and it would seem my dear...” he paused to put his other hand on Seymour’s shoulders, “... that this young man would like to make you a bride.”

It was at that moment... that her world came crashing down around her.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Tidus rubbed his eyes; it hadn’t been easy dragging Chappu all the way back to Gippal’s house. This task had been made complicated when they had run into some ladies on the sidewalk. Chappu had tried as best he could in his drunken stupor to make conversation with them, and flirt a little. All in all it had been a disaster and the girls were offended by something or other that he had said. Tidus and Wakka had eventually been able to coerce Chappu back to Gippal’s and into his bed where he was now snoring loudly enough to be heard all over the house.
Tidus now flopped exhaustedly down onto the living room couch that was to serve as his bed. Originally the three of them were going to head back to Besaid Island the next morning but, Gippal had insisted they stay for awhile, to get acquainted with the town, and just have some fun. Tidus had been uncertain, he didn’t like the idea of being in Bevelle too long because, no matter how pretty it was, it was still enemy territory, and he didn’t want to end up facing the wraith of his brother or of any Bevellians. He shuttered to think of what would happen to him, if his true identity surfaced. Wakka had done his best to remove Tidus’ fears, saying that they would only be staying a few weeks and there was no way anyone could find out. In the end it had been decided that they would stay for awhile, and Tidus had agreed. There was at least one thing that made staying in Bevelle worthwhile... if he stayed, he might be able to find her again.

Since the minute he had laid eyes on her, she had been constantly filling his mind. He was starting to think that maybe something was wrong with him; he wasn’t usually like this about girls. Somehow she had managed to get under his skin; he didn’t know how... it didn’t even make sense. He didn’t even know her name! He made it his silent vow, to find her... just so he could figure out what was going on in his mind. He could picture her as if she was in front of him, shoulder-length brown hair, pale skin, adorable smile, and those hypnotic blue and green bi-colored eyes. He had never before seen anything like them in his life. He laid there daydreaming about her, when finally he opened his eyes he saw a hand waving up and down in front of his face.

“Yo, Spira to Tidus,” Wakka was saying.

“Huh? Yeah? What? Sorry Wakka... I think I must have gapped out there for awhile.”

“Dat’s ok man, I just had to tell ya something. Gippal’s back, he said he got a message from Rikku sayin’ that her cousin needed somewhere to stay, I guess something happened that made her upset. Anyway, the only place not filled with guys is this room so uhhh... she kinda needs the couch.”

“Oh,” Tidus said, “That’s alright, but where am I gonna sleep?”

“Uhh... well Chappu, Me, and You got to fit into the same room.”

Tidus smacked his forehead, “Oh man... goodbye to any prospects of sleeping.”

Wakka just laughed and patted him on the back, “Rikku and her cousin will be here in an hour or so, I think they are both stayin’ here.” Wakka rolled his eyes.

“Awe common Wakka, Rikku’s not that bad!”

“You don’t know her as well as I do, ya!” He protested before walking back into another room.

Tidus stood up off of the couch and gathered up his things, best to clear them off now. He walked down the hallway to where the room he was staying in was situated. He rolled his eyes at the sound of Chappu’s snoring and opened the door. He dropped all of his things to the ground, which is where he would no doubt be sleeping since the room only contained one bed, and it was definitely occupied.

After making everything ready for when he decided to go to bed Tidus walked out of the room. He saw a door that led out to a small balcony. Fresh air might be a good idea, he thought to himself, maybe it’ll help clear my head.

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“No...” Yuna said, barely audible.

“What was that Yuna?” Braska’s eyes hardened slightly as he asked her.

Yuna felt as if she was free-falling off of Mt. Gagazet. Her father had already told Seymour she accepted his proposal, she knew it just by looking at him. She could feel tears at the back of her eyes but she couldn’t allow herself to show weakness in front of the two men before her. She gathered all her courage together for one quiet yet bold reply. “I said: No.”

Braska turned to Seymour with an apologetic look, “I’m sorry Lord Seymour I think the excitement of the night has overcome my daughter, she doesn’t understand what she’s saying.”

“But of course Lord Braska,” Seymour said, taking a bow to both Braska and Yuna. He then turned to her with a smile that seemed almost calculated, “Until our next meeting my lady.” With that he turned and exited down the large stairway.

Braska turned back to Yuna, fury evident on his face and in the tone of his voice. “Never cross me again Yuna,” he said, his finger pointing at her, “if I say you are to marry Seymour then that is what is going to happen,” his eyes narrowed even further, “do you understand.”

Yuna just stared at him, sure he’d been angry with her before but... the way he just glared at her. It made her feel like she had been ripped apart and only scraps remained. She couldn’t even muster a response to give to him. Feeling her will start to break she turned away from him, so he couldn’t see her tears. Using everything she had left, she started to walk towards her room, feeling defeated, and terribly alone.

Once Yuna had got to her room, she knew what she was going to do. Tears were openly streaming down her face. She went straight to her closet and dug out of it a small duffle bag. She opened it and began to fill it with clothing. She needed to contact Rikku to help her figure out how she was going to do what she was planning. After she had got all of her bag packed and everything in order, she sat down to the spherecomm and called Rikku.

“Hey Yunie, what’s up!” Rikku said cheerfully over the commsphere, then she saw her cousin’s face, “Oh no, Yunie, what’s wrong? Is everything okay?”

Yuna cleared her throat so that she would be able to speak, “Rikku, I need to find somewhere to go for a little while... you see my father, he wants... no he’s ordering me to marry Seymour.”

Rikku made a face of disgust; she had met him at the party, and wasn’t overly fond of what she saw.

“... So this is why I need your help. I need to hide out somewhere for awhile... to figure out what to do. Somewhere where my father can’t find me, or somewhere he wouldn’t look.”

“Oh for sure Yunie, anyway I can help I will!”

“Would you ask Gippal if I could maybe... crash there for a little while? Just until I figure out what to do. I know my father wouldn’t guess to look there.”

Rikku smiled brightly, “Of course Yunie! I’ll send him a message right now!”

Yuna smiled lightly at her cousin, “Thanks Rikku,” she said wiping away a few stray tears, “you’re a good friend.”

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The stars were shining brightly, and the cool night air breezed through Tidus’ blonde hair. He had been out on the balcony for awhile now, and was feeling more relaxed, and at ease, but the fresh air had done nothing to clear his mind of her. He wondered if they would ever meet again. He really hoped that they would, he felt as if he was connected to her somehow... and he needed to see her again.

He heard noises of people coming from the inside of the house, and it broke him out of his thoughts. “Rikku and her cousin must be here,” he said to himself. “Might as well go and say hello.”

Tidus opened the doors to the balcony, and walked down the hallway. He rolled his eyes as he could STILL hear Chappu snoring away. Everyone else it seemed was in the entrance room welcoming the guests. He made his way there, but upon arriving he stopped short in his tracks. It was her, she was Rikku’s cousin! He couldn’t even begin to imagine how lucky this was! Upon seeing him enter he saw her eyes light up as well and her lips curve up into delicate smile. It took him a moment to realize that other people were talking.

“Glad you made it Yuna, is everything alright?” Gippal was saying.

Her head turned towards Gippal, although her eyes stayed on him. “Yeah... I just needed to get away somewhere for awhile. Don’t tell my father I’m here alright.”

Yuna, the angel’s name was Yuna. He felt as though he could have died right then and he would have been happy, just knowing her name.

Yuna had thought that he might be there at Gippal’s, not that she would have admitted it to anyone, but it was partially the reason why she asked Rikku to take her there. Even knowing who he really was, he fascinated her, and she wanted to see him again. To know if now that she knew, could she still be attracted to him? At first she had been disappointed not to see him when she entered the house but, allaying all her fears he then walked through the hallway and into the room.

She could sense his shock at seeing her there, and she smiled at him when their eyes connected. He smiled back, well he gave her a shy, silly, version of a smile but it was completely adorable.

Gippal started talking to her and she answered him why she was there, and the warning not to tell her father. She was turned in the direction, but she had to really pry her eyes away from Tidus. Tidus, she liked his name... but wondered what he would introduce himself to her as. She had decided while packing that she wasn’t going to judge him for who he was, but she was still curious to what information he would let go.

They didn’t get much of a chance to talk for awhile. Gippal and Rikku showed her around the house, and the area where her and Rikku would be staying. She unpacked a little and got changed from her party dress into a simple black tank top and blue shorts. After everyone had gone back to their normal activities, she decided to go seek out Tidus.

Yuna looked all over the house and she couldn’t find where he had gone. Maybe he went to bed? She thought... it would make sense since it was pretty late. She walked by a room in the hallway and heard a loud noise coming through the door... it almost sounded like... someone snoring? It couldn’t be though, it was much too loud! She covered her ears as she walked by. She saw a door at the end of the hallway that looked like it lead outside to a veranda or a balcony. I think I’ll get some fresh air, she though and opened the door.

She could see the shadow of another figure, who had turned their head to see who was coming out of the door.

Tidus had returned to where he was previous to Yuna coming. She had been so busy with everyone else and getting settled in that they really hadn’t got much of a chance to talk. He hadn’t even introduced himself yet. So when he saw her coming through the balcony doors his face lit up in a smile, maybe they would get to talk after all.

“Hi” he said, startling her a little but she smiled back.

“Hi”

An awkward silence fell over them, neither knowing really what to say in this particular situation. Yuna decided to break the silence... “The wind... it’s nice.” She said, for lack of something better to say.

Tidus nodded in return “Mmhmm,” and then the silence covered over them again.

It was so awkward in fact that they both began to laugh. Yuna smiled, and Tidus ran a hand through his hair.

“So,” she said smiling, “we might as well introduce ourselves.”

Tidus grinned, “Sure,” he extended a hand to her, and she took it, “My name is...” he hesitated, swearing inwardly about not being able to give her his full name, “...Ti.” he finished.

Yuna smiled at him, he had told her partially his real name. She shook his hand, “I’m Yuna.”

They stood there for another moment, before Tidus said, “I’m glad I got to see you again... we didn’t get much time at the party.”

Yuna nodded and said, “I’m glad too. Are you staying here long?” she crossed her fingers behind her back, hoping that his answer would be yes.

“Yeah,” he said, “Wakka and Chappu... my friends, I think you met Wakka... and Chappu is the hideously loud noise coming from the bedroom down the hall...”

Yuna laughed, it really was snoring.

“... We’re staying here for a couple of weeks, then...” he paused again, “... heading home.”

“I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of each other then,” she said, “I don’t know how long I’ll be here for but, I’m guessing for a little while at least.”

“Yeah... I don’t mean to pry,” he said, “but you were saying something to Gippal about not telling your father that you’re here... you guys having some kind of fight?”

Yuna looked down, “Yeah, I guess you could call it that... my father and I... we don’t agree on something, something important, but my opinion doesn’t really matter to him.” She sighed, “The only things that matter are money and security.”

Tidus turned away from her and stared at the sky, “I know that people say this a lot but, I know how you feel. My father and I... we don’t exactly agree on everything either. Sometimes it gets really frustrating.”

Yuna nodded, “Yeah, it does.” She was surprised at how nice he was, how human, he had issues to deal with too. When she was little... she remembered the stories of Zanarkand. The people there were supposed to be hostile, and barbarians, who ate little children that wandered too far past the Calm Lands. Thinking of Tidus as something like this made her laugh, and she received a quizzical look from him.

“I was just thinking,” Yuna said, “how many people can all have the same problems, no matter how different they are.”

Tidus nodded and smiled at her in a way that made her heart flutter.

“I think I should get to bed, it’s getting pretty late and I’ve had a long day.” She said.

“Goodnight Yuna.” he said, watching her walk towards the door.

She turned around and flashed him a smile, “Goodnight Ti.” -dus, she thought.