Yup, back again… Took a bit longer than I expected, but here it is!

***

Chapter 2

Tidus quickly turned his head away. He couldn't look her in the eyes when she had such a concerned look on her face. What was he doing really? If everything had gone like he had planned, he would have set off already a couple of minutes ago, but now – leaving was the last thing he was capable of.

"Are you all right?" Rikku asked leaning closer to him.

"Y-yeah. I'm absolutely fine."

But as he said it he noticed Rikku's eyes darken, so he faced her again. She looked sad and slowly shook her head.

"I don't know what to think anymore when you of all people are lying to me, Tidus."

The words touched him so that they spent the next ten seconds in awkward silence. When he finally opened his mouth he said the first thing he had wanted to say all along.

"I'm really sorry, Rikku. I truly am."

She sighed deeply and just nodded. How on earth had he managed to get himself in such a situation? Now he had the feeling that Rikku was really disappointed in him, which she of course had a good reason to, and neither did he think very highly of his own actions.

Before either of the two could say anything, they were interrupted by Auron who had showed up beside them. Truth be told, Tidus had completely forgotten there were others around. Luckily they couldn't have heard anything of the conversation, but they might have been watching all the time.

"By no means to sound bold, but if we're going to get you back to Zanarkand the way we planned, we'd better get moving."

But Tidus had made up his mind. As he spoke he said it loud enough for everyone to hear.

"…I'm not leaving." Yuna looked up and the others turned to face him. But the one person he truly wanted to get any sort of response from stood still and looked everywhere else but at him.

"What do you mean by that all of this sudden?" Wakka asked confused.

"I realized just now that I can't leave – at least not yet. I have some things I have to take care of."

Then Yuna finally spoke. Despite all the realizations Tidus had had today, it felt really good to see Yuna being herself.

"Do you really mean it? You won't leave us?"

"I won't leave you." He replied sincerely.

She smiled weakly. Lulu opened her mouth too, probably for the second time that day.

"It's been quite a long day, hasn't it? Why don't we just pitch camp for tonight – it's getting a bit late too."

Some vague mumbling could be heard, but everyone agreed. At least for Tidus sleep was more than welcome – he could continue his future plans tomorrow.

But he couldn't sleep that night. He decided to go out for some fresh air, so he put on his shoes and left the tent. He didn't know what time it was, but the view of the ocean was breathtaking – the sun was just about to disappear into the horizon. Tidus started to walk towards the shore, but stopped dead – he wasn't alone. And of course it was no one else but Rikku who sat on the sand and stared at the sight. He thought twice about leaving, but then decided to go to her. She hadn't noticed him, so Tidus couldn't help but to tease her a bit. He leaned closer and blew a puff of air into the back of her neck, which made her jump. To his own surprise he laughed. It had been quite some time since he last had done it, but actually it felt really good.

"Geez, man… Don't scare me like that!" She ejaculated.

Tidus just continued smiling. This was the Rikku he had missed. It was like they had never had that awkward discussion earlier.

"Couldn't get any sleep?" He asked and sat down beside her.

"Nah… Ended up thinking about – well, stuff." He nodded.

"Me too."

"So… Quite some day, huh?" Rikku noted and smiled somewhat mysteriously.

"Yeah…"

"You know, I didn't think I'd bring this up, but… Thanks for staying. Yuna can sleep her night well now."

Tidus didn't quite like the fact that Rikku had dragged Yuna into the conversation – he'd have to think about what to do with her later anyway. However, he was glad to finally hear Rikku say her opinion too.

"Don't mention it. I believe it was after what you said to me that I finally realized what a big decision I was about to make."

Rikku started giggling.

"Man, when did you start to talk like that?"

He was a bit offended at first, but started then to laugh himself – one of the reasons why he liked spending time together with Rikku was that he felt totally relaxed when he spoke to her - and now he was talking like an old man.

"No, but really. You got some sense into me, so thanks."

"Hey, no prob. I just wanted to see what your face looks like when you're being scolded, after all."

"What?" Rikku giggled even harder now.

"Just kiddin'"

"You'll someday give me a heart attack, you know that?" Rikku smiled and looked at him sincerely.

"But I'm glad that 'someday' is farer away now." And with that she stood up, waved at him and started to head towards the camp.

Tidus just sat where he was. It truly had been an eventful day, but he could now admit he was glad to have chosen to stay. Zanarkand may be his home, but during the time he had spent in Spira with all his friends was so filled up with good memories, that he started to get pretty fond of the place. He would have to renew his plans, among other things what he'd do about Yuna, but he had time.

One thing that made him worried, though, was if he could still stand a chance regarding to Rikku.

Tidus was interrupted from his thoughts by a yawn. Apparently sleep had found its way to him too. He returned to the tent and dozed off at once.

---

Tidus was woken by the cool breeze of Mi'ihen Highroad. Though he had stayed up until the small hours he felt strangely refreshed.

"Morning!" He could hear Wakka greet energetically.

"Morning, Wakka. The others up yet?" With the others he rather meant the ladies – Auron was the only person to sleep in the same tent as him and Wakka, and he seemed to have gone out already.

"I ain't sure, but I think I saw Yuna waiting outside."

"Okay."

Tidus left the tent and immediately bumped into Yuna.

"Good morning! Tidus, I thought we'd continue today towards Guadosalam. Is that fine with you?"

Tidus didn't mind, but he didn't know he would be regretting it later.

"Of course. Where you go, I shall go too. …I never stopped being your guardian, you know."

Yuna beamed. His words seemed to warm her, which made Tidus glad. He only hoped he wouldn't hurt Yuna in the end. That was the last thing he could do to her after all the things they had gone through. But eventually he would have to tell Yuna his true feelings.

"I'm glad. …Ah, Rikku! Good morning!"

Rikku joined the two and looked at both of them.

"Good morning Yuna, Tidus."

"I was just discussing here with Tidus that our next heading will be Guadosalam."

Rikku looked like someone had punched her in the abdomen. The expression on her face looked really hurt for one moment, but she hid it quickly.

"R-Really? And ..uh.. why Guadosalam?"

"Hmm? I feel like I will get the strength for my pilgrimage from there. Besides, the place is plainly gorgeous and brings back memories, don't you think?"

But Yuna seemed to have said just the wrong thing. Rikku groaned quietly and turned away. Tidus wanted so bad to comfort her anyhow, but with Yuna around he couldn't bring himself to do it. And he didn't quite know why Rikku was in pain like that either. But seemingly the word 'memories' affected her very strongly. He suspected that Farplane might have something to do with it.

But then also a memory he himself had been part of came to his mind.

TO BE CONTINUED…

***

Well, that was it… Bit of short, I know, but I was kinda rushing at the end, to get this posted in time. I had some problems to get Rikku's and Tidus' conversation to sound as realistic as possible, but hopefully I'll improve in that :). I don't think chapter 3 will be coming anytime soon – I got a summer job and have to wake up 5.30 am every morning so guess if I'm tired… But I might finish it this month (or then it's just my wishful thinking…).

Please don't forget to review! Good or bad, I want to hear all sort of response.

See ya!

~Rayne