Against the Odds.
Chapter 10.
The New Routine.
"Can I ask you something?"
Tidus could see Yuna hesitate a little, but she nodded in response. She chewed her lip slightly and sat back down with her legs tucked under her, but she never broke eye contact. Suddenly, a million questions ran through his head. He wanted to get her perspective on why she's running away but knew she hadn't admitted to that yet. How could he broach the subject when she had no idea that he knew of it?
"Are you afraid of something?"
As soon as the question left his mouth, he instantly regretted it. Yuna broke eye contact and looked down to her hands. She fidgeted slightly, and again looked over her shoulder. He saw her tense shoulders and that she wasn't as relaxed as before. "I've noticed you do that a lot." He quipped.
"I-" Yuna started as she turned her head back towards Tidus, "Well, you see…"
Tidus gave a small smile of reassurance. He wanted Yuna calm, not wound up or upset. He changed his mind; he didn't want to hear her answer. But then her small voice caught his attention.
"More someone than something." Yuna's voice was barely above a whisper, but he heard her loud and clear. "It's ridiculous really."
Tidus could tell she wanted to say more. He could also see her mind working overtime, running through what to say or how to say it. He noticed her hands playing with the small ring on her middle finger, her eyebrows furrowed together, the small breeze catching her hair slightly. He wouldn't push her, but if she got too uncomfortable then he would change the subject. He wanted to help her, not scare her off.
"I'm sorry." Yuna apologised, "it's not something I would like to talk about right now." At this, Yuna suddenly made eye contact with him again. She didn't want to talk about it. Fair enough. They had only just met after all.
"Don't apologise." Tidus replied. He smiled, flung his arms into the air, and leaned back to lay on the grass. "It's okay."
He sensed Yuna's eyes on him. He heard her let out a breath, and a rustle of the grass made it appear as if Yuna had adjusted her seated position. However, when he turned his head towards her, she was starting to lie down next to him. There was some distance, but if he moved his hand just an inch more, they would be close enough to hold hands.
The sound of the gulls, the cool breeze and the smell of fresh fruit was enough to lull Tidus into a sleep. He would have, had he not been in Yuna's presence. He couldn't help but glance her way every now and again, noticing her hair flick with the wind. He wanted to break the silence and have things ok with Yuna again. He felt a slither of awkwardness, and it needed to pass.
"So," the silence was broken. Yuna had raised up onto her elbows for support, her eyes squinting at the bright sun after having her eyes closed for a while, "Where are you of to next?"
"Hmm?" Confused, Tidus matched her level, elbows drawn in and taking his weight.
"From here I mean." Yuna replied, "You came from Zanarkand, right? So is it back to there for Blitzball or are you going elsewhere?"
"Huh," Tidus chuckled, unsure of how to answer. The right answer would be to go to Guadosalam, but that was way at the bottom of his list of travel destinations. Would he go to Zanarkand, or back to Besaid? "I hadn't really thought that far ahead."
"You haven't been here long, have you?" Yuna asked. Tidus simply shook his head in response.
"How long are you staying here?"
Tidus smirked, an idea popping into his head. "Why?" He asked, "Did you want to take me to dinner too?"
The sound of Yuna laughing was bliss to Tidus' ears. He wanted her to always be laughing. Not frightened and alone. She turned her head away, but Tidus caught the slight pink blush on her cheeks. He couldn't help the smile the crept onto his face. "Is that a yes?"
"Well, kind of?" Yuna brought herself up to a seated position once again. "It's just nice to have someone to talk to, you know?" Her expression turned slightly serious, and Tidus sat up too to match her. "I don't have many friends, so this is nice."
"Ok," Tidus quipped, "I find that hard to believe."
"It's true!" Yuna defended, "I've had a few friends, but nothing special. Except my cousin, but I rarely see her these days."
"I'm sure people would love to have you as a friend." Tidus countered, his shock not leaving his face. "I know I would."
Any tension that Yuna was feeling was visibly lifted from her shoulders. She smiled, and Tidus smiled back. He was overjoyed at the mere fact that Yuna wanted to be friends. Could this be the start of something exciting?
Over the next few days, Tidus and Yuna had created a sort of routine. Meet in the morning for breakfast, wander the island, help the locals with any work that needed to be done along with a smattering of other volunteers, separate so Tidus could do some form of exercise while Yuna did whatever it was she did, meet up again for dinner, and once separated again, repeat the next day the same way. He'd noticed that Yuna was checking over her should less and less. The realisation made him happy; he didn't want to mention it to her and make her clam up again. The small details of her in his mind were enough to write a book about.
"I have a surprise for us today." Yuna beamed as she approached Tidus from behind. This made him jump and slightly choke on the small portion of steamed rice and fish in his mouth. Yuna, who had not seen him eat something, gasped, and hit his back, helping to relieve the small food items from his throat. "I'm so sorry!"
"It's okay," Tidus breathed, "I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Honestly." Tidus raised his hand as a sign of promise. "Was that the surprise? If it was, bravo."
Yuna leaned forward to check if he was ok, worry etched on her face. At this, Tidus moved his head slightly closer to hers, enough so their noses were barely touching. "I'm fine Yuna."
"I'm sorry," she said again, leaning away from his face. "I didn't mean to-"
"What's the surprise?" Tidus interrupted before she could finish her sentence. If this was an echo of what it was like for her with Seymour, he didn't like it.
"You mentioned yesterday that you hadn't seen the temple yet."
Tidus internally groaned. He wasn't as interested in the temples as Yuna was. He didn't much care for the history and old books and older men hovering to tell their stories. But if he was there with Yuna…
"If you're not up for it, that's fine." Yuna broke his train of thought, raising her hands in front of her chest.
As tempted as Tidus was to refuse, there was no way he would give up time with Yuna. "We can go if you want."
"Good," Yuna smiled triumphantly, "Because one of the priests is giving a little tour in about ten minutes."
"I thought you'd already seen the temple?" Tidus quipped, not fully understanding why he was being punished.
"I have, but I was on my own." Yuna replied and reached for his hand to drag him with her. "I didn't speak to anyone really, so there's a lot more to find out."
Tidus allowed himself to be dragged. Yuna took the lead, never once dropping his hand. It was an awkward stance, her in front, her hand almost upside down and twisted between his fingers. He could feel the warmth of her through the touch. He quickened his pace and reached her to place his weight on her back, shlumping forward to create a dead weight.
"But it's boring." He whined, playfully plonking his chin on the top of her head.
"Don't be a child." Yuna fussed, trying in vain to shift his weight off her. Reluctantly, he let her fingers slip away to help adjust his presence. Tidus' arms were over her shoulders, dangling like lead weights. It eventually seemed that she'd become accustomed to him, as she wasn't putting up much of a fight.
Tidus heard the nearby shop workers laughing and turned to face them. He gave them a wink, then leaned more forward. He heard the gasp beneath him and felt her brace under him. The women nearby gasped too, and almost ran to help her. When they realised he was playing, they called to ease up on the poor young lady, which Tidus reluctantly did. The chatter between them was quiet, but Tidus thought he'd heard one of the ladies say how cute they looked together. He wasn't certain that that was said, but if it was, he agreed.
Finally walking straight and by Yuna's side, they'd managed the forest and stairs leading to the temple in a matter of minutes. Every now and again, their swinging hands would slightly brush against each other. For Tidus, the temptation to just grab her hand and intertwine their fingers was strong, but he didn't act, unsure if Yuna would react positively.
Though Kilika Temple was built on a fire mountain, the wind was chilled and refreshing. The glass floor reflected the sun's rays brightly along with the glass orbs of flames dotted around the outside of the main entrance, giving the area a warm relaxed feel to it. Temple priests and guards were out and about, talking to locals and generally enjoying the day. The priest who was giving the tour was waiting at the top of the temples steps. At the sight of him, Yuna grabbed Tidus' arm and lead the way toward him, her childlike excitement showing clearly on her face.
He hated to admit it, but Tidus was impressed with the building. Nothing on Zanarkand architecture, but still enough to wow him. The tour started with a small group of people near the staircase leading below, with Tidus and Yuna joining the group at the back. With a nod of recognition from the priest, he began his elaborate story of the origin of the temple, starting at the very beginning of time. Tidus couldn't help but glance to his side every now and again to see Yuna captivated by the buildings history. Moments felt like hours, and soon, the group were moving. The priest was careful with the narrow stairs, turning once or twice to continue what he was saying.
"I didn't know that. Did you?" Yuna asked, breaking Tidus' daydream.
"Uh…" Tidus answered finally, "No?"
"You weren't listening, were you?"
"I was."
"What did he say then?"
"Uh, I… Um..." Tidus was drawing a blank. "He said uh…" He sheepishly raised his hand to scratch the back of his neck, his nervous habit spilling out.
"The stone work up here is all-natural marble." Yuna said, a slight giggle in her voice. "It was discovered when they built the temple. The hole in the ground was once a group of smaller holes, so they reshaped them into the one hole there now and covered it in glass. The fire is from a natural gas underground which keeps the flame lit."
"Oh," Tidus mused, and turned to look at the walls that surrounded them. "Cool."
"Isn't it just?" Yuna smiled. "Look at all the details on the walls. It must've taken them years to craft this."
"You should see the buildings in Zanarkand." Tidus said.
"I will." Yuna replied, "One day." She playfully nudged him in the ribs with her elbow, reminding him to concentrate on the building he was currently in.
Inside the temple, the priests voice echoed and bounced on the walls, filling the atrium with history. Though he seemed excited to be telling stories, he would stop often to let people take in the surroundings. Tidus, however, was convinced that, because of his old age, he was catching his breath. Tidus hung back, and watched as Yuna spun a few times, taking in the details on the walls, the burning pillars and the statues of High Summoners who had once prayed to the spirit of Ifrit, the fire aeon who occupied the halls.
"I thought you said you'd seen this before?" Tidus asked, arms crossed at his chest, his weight on one foot more than the other.
"I have. But it still takes my breath away." Yuna turned in small movements. "Imagine being a Summoner." She stopped then and turned to Tidus, her eyes shining, face serious. "Imagine coming here to pray and get Ifrit on your side to help defeat Sin!"
"Nah," Tidus simply replied, "I'd be more of the Guardian than the Summoner."
Yuna's face held a small smile. She simply nodded and returned her gaze to the floor. "I can see that. You'd make a wonderful guardian."
"Would you have me?" Tidus asked suddenly. He wasn't sure where that question came from, but it was said, out in the open and awaiting Yuna's reply.
After what felt like an eternity, Yuna took a deep breath, the smile never leaving her face.
"In a heartbeat."
"Good." Tidus tried to play it cool, but in reality, his hands were shaking. He'd kept his arms crossed on his chest, his breathing changed from relaxed to deep and shaking. He was hoping that Yuna caught on that it wasn't just the hypothetical Guardianship he was asking about.
As the tour progressed, Tidus felt himself wanting to escape and run down to the beach for a swim. The narrow halls that once gleamed as the Cloister of Trials were now in ruins. The way the chambers expanded and closed, the levels of each section was shadowed and dark, lit only by the flamed hallways. Tidus and Yuna were at the back, keeping close to the group, but keeping a small distance. Yuna's arm was behind her, gripping Tidus' hand as they walked forward. The vast emptiness of the rooms was overwhelming, and Yuna had said she felt safe while holding on to him. Tidus, of course, didn't protest and gladly accepted her hand, his makeshift role of Guardian coming through.
"They must've felt so scared." Yuna spoke quietly to Tidus, keeping hushed so to not talk over the priest. "The summoner's I mean. I don't think I could do what they did."
He noticed then that Yuna had scooted closer to him, her back gently against his chest. She still had a grip of his hand, but it was starting to get squashed between them. With a quick thought, Tidus let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist. He felt her gasp and stiffen at the contact. Instant regret swept through him, and he moved to remove his arm from around her. Suddenly, he felt her hands on his forearm, her arms pulling his back to where it was.
What was this? Was this her acceptance of him? Her reacting to his closeness by mirroring what he was doing? He didn't know, but he was happy that she didn't pull away. Adjusting himself behind her, he stood so that his legs were on either side of hers and brought his other arm to wrap itself around her waist. Once he was in place, he took note of her arms moving above his and her hands placed on his, a silent answer to his silent question.
Is this okay?
Yes.
Should he push his luck and rest his head on her shoulder? Perhaps not. He didn't want to push her too far. He was close to her, physically holding her in his arms. He was content, and he didn't want to move from this spot. He could see the small tour group asking questions to the priest, but he couldn't hear what they were saying, couldn't hear the response given, couldn't pay attention to the groans of the old building, the flames crackling nearby, he was bowled over by just the sound of Yuna's breath. He couldn't concentrate on what was going on around them. Was Yuna thinking the same? Was Yuna feeling the same? Should he question it? Or let nature take its course?
The group moved. The tour was almost over, and the people nearby were being escorted toward the entrance. The group turned and swept passed them like a wave on the tide, disappearing just as quick.
"We'd better move, or we might get lost." He heard Yuna whisper as the crowd passed them. Neither of them had moved, too content with how they were stood. Slowly, Tidus released his hold on Yuna, noticing the warmth slowly leave his body. She'd turned to him, keeping the gap between them small, but taking a small step backwards.
The glow of the flames on Yuna's face were breath taking. Her skin glowed, and the shadows created a whole new profile to Tidus. He was hypnotised by the way her eyes searched his. Her eyes glowed an amber, hiding her bi-coloured iris'. He couldn't help himself. He had to. He was so scared of this moment being gone forever. He always lived with no regrets, so why stop now.
"What are you thinking?" Yuna's gentle voiced echoed in the now empty corridor.
Should he answer honestly, or lie? Honestly. Tidus thought, always honestly.
"I might kiss you."
A small breath left Yuna's mouth, and her hands clasped together just under her chin. Clearly, she didn't expect that answer. Tidus noticed her throat contract as she quite possibly swallowed the lump in her throat. He had the same lump, but then again he wasn't breathing, so wouldn't be able to swallow even if he tried.
"Why?" Yuna asked.
Tidus blinked slowly, his mouth dry from nerves. He finally let out a small breath. He shook his head gently to shake any doubts in his mind. "I just…"
No more thoughts, no more speaking, nothing. His hand moved to her cheek and brushed her hair behind her ear. He didn't stop looking at her, looking from left to right to her lips. He wasn't just going to do it. He had to wait for her permission, whether it be verbal or silent. The distance was too great for him to bear, and when Yuna gave a small nod and closed her eyes, that was his invitation. Her lips were pursed, ready and willing for his. He bent his knees to he was the same height and moved forward.
And he kissed her.
The kiss itself was short. Tidus lingered for just a second. He'd waited for this moment since he first saw her in the sphere, and he wished it lasted longer. His thoughts were always of Yuna's feelings. He didn't want to overwhelm her or scare her or make her uncomfortable. But by the aeons he wanted to kiss her again.
He was still crouched, his eyes open and waiting for Yuna's response. He was almost nose to nose, and could feel her breath on his lips. His hands were on each side of her face, his thumbs gently caressing her cheeks. She was flushed, but still her eyes remained closed. Slowly, her hands met his on her face, her fingers fitting between his. This was good. At least she hadn't pushed him away and screamed at him. He didn't want to talk first. He waited patiently for her reaction.
"I'm sorry."
Yuna's eyes slowly opened to meet his. The smile on her face was small and hardly noticeable, but it was there, and Tidus was relieved to see it. But she had apologised. Why? What in the heck was she sorry for? He pulled his head back slightly, confusion etched on his features. He still hadn't let her go; her fingers still clutched his hands.
"For what?" Tidus questioned.
"I…" He saw in her eyes that she was searching for an answer.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. I shouldn't have… I'm the one who-"
"No, no." Yuna protested, letting out a small chuckle. "I liked it."
An enormous sense of relief washed through Tidus, and he stood tall and pull her in. He kissed her forehead then and nestled her into the fold of his embrace. They fit together like two puzzle pieces. He sighed and smiled into her hair as he felt her arms wrap around his waist tightly.
"Me too."