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SINS OF OUR FATHERS

Chapter Six: Thank You

As the next few days past, Yuna could feel herself being drawn in by Tidus. She had reproved her feelings, and told herself that it was nothing more than a physical attraction to his obvious good looks. This worked for around five minutes but then it seemed that fate was intent on proving her wrong. They had many separate chances to speak with one another due to how close their quarters were, living in one house and all. She was surprised to find out how similar they were to each other. He would speak as freely as she assumed he could, without giving any details in which to incriminate him with. He never told her anything about Zanarkand, but really, she wasn’t expecting him to. It didn’t even bother her really. She guessed it was because she already knew the truth, so she wasn’t curious. It worried her though, how Auron had so quickly recognized him, and from so far away. Being in Bevelle had presented problems for them both, if either were recognized it meant trouble. Luckily Yuna’s friends at least knew of her side, and they didn’t much leave Gippal’s house. Yuna had to beg him and Rikku not to tell their guests, she made up the excuse of not wanting them to feel uncomfortable around her, and the two finally agreed to keep her secrect. It had been four somewhat uneventful days of hanging around Gippal’s house, doing absolutely nothing, that allowed Yuna to have an idea of what they might do.

“What if we all went to Macalania Woods for a camping trip!” she suggested, “It would be fun, and get us out of this house for awhile... I think I’m starting to go a little crazy.”

“Hey I like the sounds of that,” Tidus interjected, “And I think I’m also starting to lose my sanity.”

“Oooh” Rikku said excitedly, “Great idea Yunie! And we can go to the Calm Lands too! Maybe we can get Choccobo riding lessons!”

Gippal swung his arm around Rikku, “Yeah but this time, try to hold on to the Choccobo, Cid’s girl.”

Rikku stuck out her tongue at him but then giggled and pretend-punched him.

“It sounds like a great idea to me,” Wakka said, getting an agreeing nod from Chappu.

“Okay then,” Yuna said cheerfully, “We’ll camp out in Macalania, and get Choccobo riding lessons in the Calm Lands.”

“Let’s leave today,” suggested Gippal.

Everyone agreed and quickly dispersed to pack their things and get some camping equipment. They decided to bring three tents, one for the girls, and two for the guys. After everyone was ready they set out. It was a short trip to Macalania, since it lay just on the outskirts of Bevelle, but Yuna felt safer there.

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

“Wow...” Tidus said as they got off the Express Lift, “It’s amazing here.” He couldn’t remember seeing any one place as beautiful as this forest. Its beauty even rivaled that of Bevelle’s. The whole forest gave off a faint blue colour, making it seem as if it were glowing. He was so transfixed that he didn’t notice Yuna come and stand beside him.
“Pretty...” she said, almost sadly, “Isn’t it?”

Tidus turned to look at her. “Yes,” he said simply, his eyes casting their stare upon her.

Yuna turned her eyes to him, and the sadness that was in her evaporated. She had been trying not to think of her situation with her father all day, and of course trying not to think about it, ...made her think about it even more. When she returned to reality, he was smiling at her. She knew she was blushing, but she smiled back. She liked the way he looked at her, it made her feel like Macalania butterflies were fluttering around in her stomach.

Tidus wasn’t sure when the point was of staring too long at someone, but he was almost sure that he had crossed it just now. He slowly turned his eyes away and back to the forest. He knew he was falling for Yuna, and wasn’t sure exactly what to do about it. He had confessed his feelings about her to Wakka, who seemed a little uneasy because of them. He had told Tidus he couldn’t start a relationship with Yuna since he had to leave for Zanarkand at some point, and he couldn’t really tell her the truth of who he was. Tidus had said he was right, since he would want to be honest with Yuna if they got involved and he knew it would be futile, she was still from Bevelle, and would likely be disgusted with him. The thought of Yuna feeling disgusted with him, made him feel disgusted with himself, and yet, he couldn’t get her out of his mind. He started telling himself that she would understand, and they could overcome the obstacle. He’d been fairly convincing too... but not enough. He couldn’t get involved with her; it was as simple as that... he couldn’t risk it, and he wouldn’t.

He turned to make an exit but as soon as his eyes passed her he found himself staring at her again. She was looking back at the woods, a slight breeze making her brown hair sway back and forth. She was so beautiful... Damnit Tidus, he thought, Could you not drool over her for TWO seconds, that’s all I’m asking. He really liked Yuna, and he wished there was someway that he could tell her how he felt but, if they were never going to be able to start something... what was the point. He sighed and closed his eyes; these thoughts were giving him a headache, he just wished he knew what the right thing to do was. When he finally opened his eyes, he saw Yuna’s staring back at him, looking somewhat concerned.

“Are you alright?” she asked him hesitantly.

“Yeah,” he said, and then added, “I guess so.”

“You sound sad.”

“I’m... well... maybe.”

“Is something bothering you?”

“I just... uhh... got a lot on my mind... I guess it’s stressing me out a little.”

“Oh,” she said. “I see.”

They stood in silence for a moment before Yuna said slowly, “I know what it feels like... to get stressed out, or upset, or to feel like your lost in this world with no control over anything,” she was gazing back at the forest, an odd expression on her face. “And sometimes, the feelings get overwhelming but... see I learned to practice smiling... when I'm feeling sad... you know? It may sound dumb but, it helps."

Tidus nodded looking at her, “I understand. I think.”

“Why don’t you try it out?” she suggested turning to him.

He nodded, at this moment; he would do anything she asked. He tried to think of happy thoughts, but all he could think about was her. The result of this was a smile that resembled that of a thirteen year old boy, “This is weird,” he said, feeling very awkward.

She was smiling at him, “Now, I want you to try laughing out loud.”

“What?” he couldn’t really see the point of this, but he complied with her wishes.

He closed his eyes and let out a loud, obnoxious, forced laugh, “HA HA HA... HA HA HA...”

Yuna started giggling at him; everyone at their campsite was staring in their direction with a startled and confused look on all their faces.

Just as he was about to start another string of laughter she said, “Maybe you should stop now.” She pointed back to everyone staring at them.

Tidus looked back briefly but then turned away again. He smiled at Yuna and started laughing again. “HA HA HA...”

Yuna smiled back and this time she joined him, “HA HA HA... HA HA HA...”

It wasn’t long before the two of them were laughing for real, Tidus was holding his stomach, and Yuna had her hand over her mouth.

“I haven’t laughed like that in a long time,” Yuna said to him after they had calmed down a little. “Thank you.”

“Me neither,” Tidus said, “So thank you.”

Yuna smiled at him, and was about to say something but was interrupted by Wakka’s voice. “The tents are set up now. We should all go to bed so we can get up early tomorrow, ya?”

“I guess we should go back then,” she said.

“Alright,” Tidus said.

They walked back the short distance to the camp site, and Yuna waved to Tidus before getting into the tent she shared with Rikku. Tidus walked over to his tent, Chappu was standing outside of it waiting for him. As Tidus got close, Chappu took his hand and knocked it against Tidus’ skull.

”Ow! What was that for?” Tidus yelled, rubbing his head.

Chappu shrugged, “Was just making sure you hadn’t gone crazy or something.”

“Very funny Chappu.” Tidus said rolling his eyes, before getting into the tent. It was going to be a long night; full of snoring and very, very little sleep.

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

She didn’t know what time it was, but Yuna couldn’t sleep. Her thoughts kept drifting back to her father and... Seymour. Her stomach turned at the thought of being married to him. She felt so out of control, so used almost. Thankfully she was here and not somewhere where her father could easily reach her, eventually she would have to go back, but she was hoping she would at least be able to negotiate the terms. Things could turn for the better, or they could go horribly wrong. She sighed; this kind of thinking was getting her nowhere. She felt like she needed to get out, take a walk. Without question she knew the place where she would go... it was just... she didn’t want to go alone...

Yuna slowly inched her way out of her sleeping bag, trying not to make too much noise. She changed from her pajamas into a white halter top, and a pair of blue capris. She undid the zipper at the front of the tent, but did so very slowly making sure that Rikku didn’t wake up.

Once she was out of the tent she made her way to the next tent over. In theory her plan had worked brilliantly, but now she wasn’t so sure of how she was going to get his attention. She could hear Chappu’s snoring, so she knew that he was asleep. She decided to try and see if Tidus could hear her.

“Ti...” she whispered, “Ti... are you awake?”

He could have sworn he heard her voice. Maybe he really was going crazy. Why would she be calling for him in the middle of the night?

“Ti?” her voice asked again.

He decided to answer, “Yeah?” he whispered, “I’m awake.”

It was a moment before her heard her again, “Can you come out here?”

“Sure. Is everything okay Yuna?”

“Yeah don’t worry, everything is fine. I just want to show you something.”

“Alright,” he said, “I’ll be out in a second.”

His mind was racing as he made his way out of the tent, what did she want to show him? Why was she calling for him in the middle of the night? He wasn’t sure he couldn’t handle this the way it probably should be handled. The crisp night air hit his lungs as he stepped out of the tent. He looked around for Yuna but he couldn’t see her.

“Yuna...” he whispered, “Where are you.”

She stood up quickly from behind his tent, startled. He guessed she hadn’t heard him come out of the tent. He was good at being quiet, and good at sneaking out. That’s what happens when you’re the irresponsible twin. You go out at all hours, party it up, and all without your father finding out. Sometimes he felt like he was more used to the night then he was the day. But if that was so, why did he feel so nervous tonight.

Yuna was walking over to him, she motioned for him to follow her and so he did. Once they had made it safely out of hearing distance from the campsite she said, “I’m sorry if I woke you up.”

“Oh no, you didn’t. Show me the person who can easily fall asleep anywhere near Chappu and I’ll give them a medal!”

Yuna laughed quietly and smiled at him.

“So,” he asked, “Where are we going?”

“My favorite spot in all of Macalania...” she said. “It’s a small spring not far... only another minute’s walk.”

“Oh, alright.” He said. As they walked he watched her, she was even paler in the silver moonlight. She looked just as much an angel as she had the first moment he had seen her. It was hard to believe that it had only been five days since he met her. He felt like he was really getting to know her... and that worried him. It worried him as much as this midnight trip did. Her beauty was intoxicating, and the blue of the forest and the moon only served to emphasize it all. He took a deep breath, No matter what Tidus, he thought, do not kiss her.

She could tell that he was lost in his own thoughts, but she wasn’t sure what about. He had been acting a little strange today, in a sad way. She had managed to cheer him up earlier but it seemed that whatever was bothering him had settled itself back in. She hoped she had done nothing to offend him.

They reached the spring and she turned to face him, to watch his reaction. It was all that she could have hoped for. He was staring in awe at the spring; it shone crystal blue in the moonlight, the water reflecting the stars that were shining in the sky. She turned her face to take in all the beauty surrounding them as they approached the bank, where the land met the water.

“This is my favorite place in all of Spira.” She said.

“I can tell why...” was all he said.

She smiled at him, “Do you like it?”

“Yes.” He said... “It’s beautiful.”

It took her a moment to realize, he wasn’t still looking at the scenery. When her eyes met his she felt the breath leave her, and those butterflies were at it again in her stomach. Why did this man induce this in her? They were standing very close, still staring at each other.

“I’m... glad you like it.”

He just nodded.

As she stared back into his eyes, she couldn’t find the earlier sadness. Standing so close, and yet still so far from him was driving her crazy. She didn’t know whether to back away or close the distance. Within a few seconds of that thought, the situation was resolved.

She felt Tidus’ lips touch hers gently but quickly. But before she had a chance to reciprocate the kiss, or to enjoy it he had pulled away.

Even as he leaned in to kiss her, warning signals had been flaring in his head. What the hell was he thinking, he felt so embarrassed now. He sharply turned away, and ran a hand through his hair. His mind was a mess, he had told himself not to kiss her and what had he done? He turned back to face her, feeling so stupid, and ashamed.

“I... I... I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have...” He managed to spit out.

He thought that Yuna would have been shocked or upset or something, but when he gathered the courage to look at her face, he saw a small smile.

She walked towards him, and placed her hand on his arm. “It’s alright Ti... I didn’t mind.”

Yuna had been a little surprised but, she would have been lying if she had said that a kiss from him was something she didn’t want. He seemed scared that she would be angry with him, but the truth was, she was far from it.

“You’re... not upset?”

“Of course not...” she said, “Well... maybe about one thing.”

She saw him wince, and wait for her to continue.

“It was too short.”

Yuna lifted herself up to reach his lips, and pressed hers gently onto his. At first she felt his surprise, but before long he was returning her kiss. She felt an arm slip around her waist and pull her in closer to him. His lips were warm and soft, she felt herself getting lost in their movements.

Eventually she pulled back, to look at him. He didn’t move his arm that was secure around her waist. She couldn’t begin to explain the emotions she was feeling. That kiss had been more than just a kiss. Kisses she had had, that... was something more. She peered up into his smiling face, and he took his free hand and brushed away a strand of hair that had fallen into her face.

“We shouldn’t be too long,” he said. “Incase Rikku or someone wakes up and starts to wonder.”

Yuna nodded, “Okay.”

Neither of them moved.

He laughed, “Should we both go back at the same time?” he asked.

“Maybe you should go back first.” She said.

“Alright.” He reluctantly removed his hand from around her waist but bent down to kiss her one more time before leaving. “Goodnight.” He said.

“Goodnight.” She echoed.

She watched him turn and start walking in the direction of the camp. So much had happened tonight. She could feel something change inside of her. Maybe, she thought, this is hope. Watching his retreating form, she wanted nothing more than to be with him still. Why did they have to go back separate?

“Wait.” She said, running a little to catch up to where he was, “I’ll go with you.”

He turned and looked at her, the smile still present on his face. “Alright,’ he said nodding.

Inside Yuna felt like dancing, or singing, or doing something to let it show how happy she was. Cautiously she slipped her hand inside of his. He paused to look down at their hands, and then smiled shyly up at her.

Thank you, she said to him in her head, thank you for tonight.

... And thank you... for giving me hope.

Description
SINS OF OUR FATHERS

Chapter Six: Thank You

As the next few days past, Yuna could feel herself being drawn in by Tidus. She had reproved her feelings, and told herself that it was nothing more than a physical attraction to his obvious good looks. This worked for around five minutes but then it seemed that fate was intent on proving her wrong. They had many separate chances to speak with one another due to how close their quarters were, living in one house and all. She was surprised to find out how similar they were to each other. He would speak as freely as she assumed he could, without giving any details in which to incriminate him with. He never told her anything about Zanarkand, but really, she wasn’t expecting him to. It didn’t even bother her really. She guessed it was because she already knew the truth, so she wasn’t curious. It worried her though, how Auron had so quickly recognized him, and from so far away. Being in Bevelle had presented problems for them both, if either were recognized it meant trouble. Luckily Yuna’s friends at least knew of her side, and they didn’t much leave Gippal’s house. Yuna had to beg him and Rikku not to tell their guests, she made up the excuse of not wanting them to feel uncomfortable around her, and the two finally agreed to keep her secrect. It had been four somewhat uneventful days of hanging around Gippal’s house, doing absolutely nothing, that allowed Yuna to have an idea of what they might do.

“What if we all went to Macalania Woods for a camping trip!” she suggested, “It would be fun, and get us out of this house for awhile... I think I’m starting to go a little crazy.”

“Hey I like the sounds of that,” Tidus interjected, “And I think I’m also starting to lose my sanity.”

“Oooh” Rikku said excitedly, “Great idea Yunie! And we can go to the Calm Lands too! Maybe we can get Choccobo riding lessons!”

Gippal swung his arm around Rikku, “Yeah but this time, try to hold on to the Choccobo, Cid’s girl.”

Rikku stuck out her tongue at him but then giggled and pretend-punched him.

“It sounds like a great idea to me,” Wakka said, getting an agreeing nod from Chappu.

“Okay then,” Yuna said cheerfully, “We’ll camp out in Macalania, and get Choccobo riding lessons in the Calm Lands.”

“Let’s leave today,” suggested Gippal.

Everyone agreed and quickly dispersed to pack their things and get some camping equipment. They decided to bring three tents, one for the girls, and two for the guys. After everyone was ready they set out. It was a short trip to Macalania, since it lay just on the outskirts of Bevelle, but Yuna felt safer there.

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

“Wow...” Tidus said as they got off the Express Lift, “It’s amazing here.” He couldn’t remember seeing any one place as beautiful as this forest. Its beauty even rivaled that of Bevelle’s. The whole forest gave off a faint blue colour, making it seem as if it were glowing. He was so transfixed that he didn’t notice Yuna come and stand beside him.
“Pretty...” she said, almost sadly, “Isn’t it?”

Tidus turned to look at her. “Yes,” he said simply, his eyes casting their stare upon her.

Yuna turned her eyes to him, and the sadness that was in her evaporated. She had been trying not to think of her situation with her father all day, and of course trying not to think about it, ...made her think about it even more. When she returned to reality, he was smiling at her. She knew she was blushing, but she smiled back. She liked the way he looked at her, it made her feel like Macalania butterflies were fluttering around in her stomach.

Tidus wasn’t sure when the point was of staring too long at someone, but he was almost sure that he had crossed it just now. He slowly turned his eyes away and back to the forest. He knew he was falling for Yuna, and wasn’t sure exactly what to do about it. He had confessed his feelings about her to Wakka, who seemed a little uneasy because of them. He had told Tidus he couldn’t start a relationship with Yuna since he had to leave for Zanarkand at some point, and he couldn’t really tell her the truth of who he was. Tidus had said he was right, since he would want to be honest with Yuna if they got involved and he knew it would be futile, she was still from Bevelle, and would likely be disgusted with him. The thought of Yuna feeling disgusted with him, made him feel disgusted with himself, and yet, he couldn’t get her out of his mind. He started telling himself that she would understand, and they could overcome the obstacle. He’d been fairly convincing too... but not enough. He couldn’t get involved with her; it was as simple as that... he couldn’t risk it, and he wouldn’t.

He turned to make an exit but as soon as his eyes passed her he found himself staring at her again. She was looking back at the woods, a slight breeze making her brown hair sway back and forth. She was so beautiful... Damnit Tidus, he thought, Could you not drool over her for TWO seconds, that’s all I’m asking. He really liked Yuna, and he wished there was someway that he could tell her how he felt but, if they were never going to be able to start something... what was the point. He sighed and closed his eyes; these thoughts were giving him a headache, he just wished he knew what the right thing to do was. When he finally opened his eyes, he saw Yuna’s staring back at him, looking somewhat concerned.

“Are you alright?” she asked him hesitantly.

“Yeah,” he said, and then added, “I guess so.”

“You sound sad.”

“I’m... well... maybe.”

“Is something bothering you?”

“I just... uhh... got a lot on my mind... I guess it’s stressing me out a little.”

“Oh,” she said. “I see.”

They stood in silence for a moment before Yuna said slowly, “I know what it feels like... to get stressed out, or upset, or to feel like your lost in this world with no control over anything,” she was gazing back at the forest, an odd expression on her face. “And sometimes, the feelings get overwhelming but... see I learned to practice smiling... when I'm feeling sad... you know? It may sound dumb but, it helps."

Tidus nodded looking at her, “I understand. I think.”

“Why don’t you try it out?” she suggested turning to him.

He nodded, at this moment; he would do anything she asked. He tried to think of happy thoughts, but all he could think about was her. The result of this was a smile that resembled that of a thirteen year old boy, “This is weird,” he said, feeling very awkward.

She was smiling at him, “Now, I want you to try laughing out loud.”

“What?” he couldn’t really see the point of this, but he complied with her wishes.

He closed his eyes and let out a loud, obnoxious, forced laugh, “HA HA HA... HA HA HA...”

Yuna started giggling at him; everyone at their campsite was staring in their direction with a startled and confused look on all their faces.

Just as he was about to start another string of laughter she said, “Maybe you should stop now.” She pointed back to everyone staring at them.

Tidus looked back briefly but then turned away again. He smiled at Yuna and started laughing again. “HA HA HA...”

Yuna smiled back and this time she joined him, “HA HA HA... HA HA HA...”

It wasn’t long before the two of them were laughing for real, Tidus was holding his stomach, and Yuna had her hand over her mouth.

“I haven’t laughed like that in a long time,” Yuna said to him after they had calmed down a little. “Thank you.”

“Me neither,” Tidus said, “So thank you.”

Yuna smiled at him, and was about to say something but was interrupted by Wakka’s voice. “The tents are set up now. We should all go to bed so we can get up early tomorrow, ya?”

“I guess we should go back then,” she said.

“Alright,” Tidus said.

They walked back the short distance to the camp site, and Yuna waved to Tidus before getting into the tent she shared with Rikku. Tidus walked over to his tent, Chappu was standing outside of it waiting for him. As Tidus got close, Chappu took his hand and knocked it against Tidus’ skull.

”Ow! What was that for?” Tidus yelled, rubbing his head.

Chappu shrugged, “Was just making sure you hadn’t gone crazy or something.”

“Very funny Chappu.” Tidus said rolling his eyes, before getting into the tent. It was going to be a long night; full of snoring and very, very little sleep.

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

She didn’t know what time it was, but Yuna couldn’t sleep. Her thoughts kept drifting back to her father and... Seymour. Her stomach turned at the thought of being married to him. She felt so out of control, so used almost. Thankfully she was here and not somewhere where her father could easily reach her, eventually she would have to go back, but she was hoping she would at least be able to negotiate the terms. Things could turn for the better, or they could go horribly wrong. She sighed; this kind of thinking was getting her nowhere. She felt like she needed to get out, take a walk. Without question she knew the place where she would go... it was just... she didn’t want to go alone...

Yuna slowly inched her way out of her sleeping bag, trying not to make too much noise. She changed from her pajamas into a white halter top, and a pair of blue capris. She undid the zipper at the front of the tent, but did so very slowly making sure that Rikku didn’t wake up.

Once she was out of the tent she made her way to the next tent over. In theory her plan had worked brilliantly, but now she wasn’t so sure of how she was going to get his attention. She could hear Chappu’s snoring, so she knew that he was asleep. She decided to try and see if Tidus could hear her.

“Ti...” she whispered, “Ti... are you awake?”

He could have sworn he heard her voice. Maybe he really was going crazy. Why would she be calling for him in the middle of the night?

“Ti?” her voice asked again.

He decided to answer, “Yeah?” he whispered, “I’m awake.”

It was a moment before her heard her again, “Can you come out here?”

“Sure. Is everything okay Yuna?”

“Yeah don’t worry, everything is fine. I just want to show you something.”

“Alright,” he said, “I’ll be out in a second.”

His mind was racing as he made his way out of the tent, what did she want to show him? Why was she calling for him in the middle of the night? He wasn’t sure he couldn’t handle this the way it probably should be handled. The crisp night air hit his lungs as he stepped out of the tent. He looked around for Yuna but he couldn’t see her.

“Yuna...” he whispered, “Where are you.”

She stood up quickly from behind his tent, startled. He guessed she hadn’t heard him come out of the tent. He was good at being quiet, and good at sneaking out. That’s what happens when you’re the irresponsible twin. You go out at all hours, party it up, and all without your father finding out. Sometimes he felt like he was more used to the night then he was the day. But if that was so, why did he feel so nervous tonight.

Yuna was walking over to him, she motioned for him to follow her and so he did. Once they had made it safely out of hearing distance from the campsite she said, “I’m sorry if I woke you up.”

“Oh no, you didn’t. Show me the person who can easily fall asleep anywhere near Chappu and I’ll give them a medal!”

Yuna laughed quietly and smiled at him.

“So,” he asked, “Where are we going?”

“My favorite spot in all of Macalania...” she said. “It’s a small spring not far... only another minute’s walk.”

“Oh, alright.” He said. As they walked he watched her, she was even paler in the silver moonlight. She looked just as much an angel as she had the first moment he had seen her. It was hard to believe that it had only been five days since he met her. He felt like he was really getting to know her... and that worried him. It worried him as much as this midnight trip did. Her beauty was intoxicating, and the blue of the forest and the moon only served to emphasize it all. He took a deep breath, No matter what Tidus, he thought, do not kiss her.

She could tell that he was lost in his own thoughts, but she wasn’t sure what about. He had been acting a little strange today, in a sad way. She had managed to cheer him up earlier but it seemed that whatever was bothering him had settled itself back in. She hoped she had done nothing to offend him.

They reached the spring and she turned to face him, to watch his reaction. It was all that she could have hoped for. He was staring in awe at the spring; it shone crystal blue in the moonlight, the water reflecting the stars that were shining in the sky. She turned her face to take in all the beauty surrounding them as they approached the bank, where the land met the water.

“This is my favorite place in all of Spira.” She said.

“I can tell why...” was all he said.

She smiled at him, “Do you like it?”

“Yes.” He said... “It’s beautiful.”

It took her a moment to realize, he wasn’t still looking at the scenery. When her eyes met his she felt the breath leave her, and those butterflies were at it again in her stomach. Why did this man induce this in her? They were standing very close, still staring at each other.

“I’m... glad you like it.”

He just nodded.

As she stared back into his eyes, she couldn’t find the earlier sadness. Standing so close, and yet still so far from him was driving her crazy. She didn’t know whether to back away or close the distance. Within a few seconds of that thought, the situation was resolved.

She felt Tidus’ lips touch hers gently but quickly. But before she had a chance to reciprocate the kiss, or to enjoy it he had pulled away.

Even as he leaned in to kiss her, warning signals had been flaring in his head. What the hell was he thinking, he felt so embarrassed now. He sharply turned away, and ran a hand through his hair. His mind was a mess, he had told himself not to kiss her and what had he done? He turned back to face her, feeling so stupid, and ashamed.

“I... I... I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have...” He managed to spit out.

He thought that Yuna would have been shocked or upset or something, but when he gathered the courage to look at her face, he saw a small smile.

She walked towards him, and placed her hand on his arm. “It’s alright Ti... I didn’t mind.”

Yuna had been a little surprised but, she would have been lying if she had said that a kiss from him was something she didn’t want. He seemed scared that she would be angry with him, but the truth was, she was far from it.

“You’re... not upset?”

“Of course not...” she said, “Well... maybe about one thing.”

She saw him wince, and wait for her to continue.

“It was too short.”

Yuna lifted herself up to reach his lips, and pressed hers gently onto his. At first she felt his surprise, but before long he was returning her kiss. She felt an arm slip around her waist and pull her in closer to him. His lips were warm and soft, she felt herself getting lost in their movements.

Eventually she pulled back, to look at him. He didn’t move his arm that was secure around her waist. She couldn’t begin to explain the emotions she was feeling. That kiss had been more than just a kiss. Kisses she had had, that... was something more. She peered up into his smiling face, and he took his free hand and brushed away a strand of hair that had fallen into her face.

“We shouldn’t be too long,” he said. “Incase Rikku or someone wakes up and starts to wonder.”

Yuna nodded, “Okay.”

Neither of them moved.

He laughed, “Should we both go back at the same time?” he asked.

“Maybe you should go back first.” She said.

“Alright.” He reluctantly removed his hand from around her waist but bent down to kiss her one more time before leaving. “Goodnight.” He said.

“Goodnight.” She echoed.

She watched him turn and start walking in the direction of the camp. So much had happened tonight. She could feel something change inside of her. Maybe, she thought, this is hope. Watching his retreating form, she wanted nothing more than to be with him still. Why did they have to go back separate?

“Wait.” She said, running a little to catch up to where he was, “I’ll go with you.”

He turned and looked at her, the smile still present on his face. “Alright,’ he said nodding.

Inside Yuna felt like dancing, or singing, or doing something to let it show how happy she was. Cautiously she slipped her hand inside of his. He paused to look down at their hands, and then smiled shyly up at her.

Thank you, she said to him in her head, thank you for tonight.

... And thank you... for giving me hope.