Chapter 3: Written in the Stars

Dinner had been amazing. I knew Tidus could cook from all the meals he'd prepared for me back in Spira. But that lasagne was impressive. It'd really set the stage for the rest of the evening, which had been even better.

Our night out at the arcade had been exciting and a lot of fun. Tidus had gone all incognito, wearing a hoodie over his head and a pair of sunglasses to avoid being spotted by any fans. Thankfully, it'd worked, allowing us to enjoy ourselves without any interruptions.

Tidus showed me how to play all the games he loved and thought I'd be good at. And I have to admit—I did enjoy blasting away zombies and that dance game that wasn't really dancing to be honest. I'd never seen his eyes alight with such joy. Well…except when we were together…back in Spira. It'd been the most fun I'd had since arriving in Zanarkand and it'd helped, even for a brief time, to distract me from my unique situation.

We'd stayed out a little longer than Tidus had wanted. Both of us guilty of losing track of time because of how much we were enjoying ourselves.

That night, I'd managed to get some much needed rest. The gravity of the situation wasn't lost to me though. And it'd manifested as much in my dreams—visions of Tidus distraught and panicked as he and our friends tried to aid Shinra in repairing the machina that'd sucked me through time and space.

I woke in a cold sweat not long after and slowly climbed out of bed. It was still dark, but the clock on the nightstand displayed the early morning hour of quarter to six. The sun, however, had yet to make an appearance.

Recalling my fiancé's colorful description of a Zanarkand sunrise, I decided to take this unique opportunity to experience it for myself. So, I ventured out into the darkened hallway, up the steps then carefully navigated through the living room and ascended the stairs to the door leading outside.

When I stepped out onto the deck of the houseboat, I was surprised to find Tidus sitting crossed-legged by the railing, dressed for blitz practice, the cool ocean breeze ruffling through his flaxen wisps as he gazed out at the city, expectantly.

The sound of the door opening had alerted him to my presence, and he'd glanced up at me, a little stunned to see me there.

"You're up early. Everything okay?"

"Oh, um… Yes, I just…" Slightly embarrassed, I smoothed my hands over my hair, hoping I didn't look like a complete mess and crouched beside him, pulling his oversized t-shirt I'd been using as a nightgown down over my knees as I sat crossed-legged next to him. "I just wanted to watch the sunrise. I heard the ones in Zanarkand are…really beautiful."

"They are…" He held my gaze for a long moment and smiled. "The city lights go out one by one. The stars fade… Well, you'll see."

"It's kind of rose-colored, right?" I couldn't resist. The nostalgia of that night at the spring was suddenly upon me.

"Yeah, that's right," he indicated, pointing east of the famous metropolis.

Just then, the sky began to lighten into a soft pink with purple ribbons of light, then slowly grew into a golden glow, spreading out and over the city, bathing the buildings in warm rays of brilliance. It was even better than what my fiancé had described to me years ago.

"Wow…" I breathed in astonishment. "It really looks like the whole city is glowing."

"Sure does." Tidus' gaze was upon me again, briefly dropping to my lips before returning to the metropolis across the lake. "I'm…glad we shared this moment together." Those tanned cheeks turned a shade of pink awfully fast. "I mean, it's…nice to know I'm not the only one who appreciates something simple like the sunrise. Are they as pretty in Luca?"

"They can be quite lovely. But this… This was spectacular."

A broad grin spread across his face. "Well, uh… I'd better go. Coach will jump all over me if I'm late." He then climbed to his feet and offered me a hand, which I happily accepted and stood. "You should probably head inside before the neighbours come out. They're not above snapping some photos and sending it to the tabloids for a good chunk of gil."

"Are they really that bad?"

"Mmm… Just one, really. But it's best not to take any chances."

"I see."

"C'mon…" Ushering me inside, Tidus flipped on the lights then pressed a few buttons on a small, black box mounted on the wall. "This is the security system I was telling you about. If you happen to trigger it by accident or need to open the door for any reason, the passcode is; 5-3-7-1."

"Okay." I sure hoped I remembered that.

"Help yourself to whatever you want in the fridge and the pantry. I'll be back in a few hours." His face then split into that famous grin. "Try not to miss me too much."

I giggled and shook my head at his notorious humor. "I'll try not to."

And with that, he left and shut the door, leaving me alone there for the first time since arriving in Zanarkand.

The boathouse had been my fiancé's home for most of his life. It'd been a part of him for so long. And I wanted to learn more about the man I was going to marry and his past while I had the chance.

Curious, I wandered over to where all the trophies were neatly displayed in a low-sitting case near the bottom of the steps and knelt on the floor in front, inspecting each one. Most of them were his father's. But there were a few that had belonged to him—Junior League Champion, Most Valuable Player for the Zanarkand Abes, The Jecht Memorial Cup Championship, Most Goals in a Season, and…Sexiest Blitzball Star?

That last one threw me off. They had an award for something like that? Zanarkand really did feel like a different world.

After looking over all the trophies, I made my way over to the panoramic window and carefully inspected the display of framed photos lined up on the ledge. There was one of his mother and father, a family photo with him as a little boy—I couldn't help but smile at how cute he looked in it—and a few recent ones with him and what I assumed were friends of his. He seemed so happy in them…

My stomach made a low growl just then, and I figured I should listen to it. So, I headed over to the kitchen, fixed myself a bagel with cream cheese, and after some difficulty, managed to figure out how to brew a single cup of coffee with the device he'd used the other day.

The bagel went down good, but the coffee had once again made me queasy. There must've been something about Zanarkand brew. Maybe it was too strong for my stomach. So, after only drinking half the mug, I dumped what was remaining into the sink and headed for the shower.

Once I finished my daily hygienic routine, I changed into my gunner outfit and paused outside the open door to Tidus' bedroom. I should've just kept on walking, but my curiosity had gotten the better of me.

Part of me was screaming to turn around. I wasn't one to snoop. It was wrong. I'd be invading his privacy. Yet, I pressed on, ignoring that little voice crying out inside my head.

The master bedroom was very different from the one I'd been sleeping in. It'd been his parents' room before…well, you know. Maybe even Auron's for a time.

There was a huge bed with gold and cream-colored bedding, matching the décor on the walls and the shaggy, taupe carpeting. A rather large wardrobe sat off to the side, along with a vanity and dresser all made of rich mahogany wood. Matching nightstands framed the monstrous bed that had a luxurious, plush headboard mounted on the wall, looking almost as though it were made of gold silk.

The room was certainly exquisite. It was something I'd expect to see at a five-star inn or hotel in either Bevelle or Luca. And, oddly enough, well-kept…well, except for some of Tidus' clothes tossed onto the floor.

One piece in particular caught my eye though. And as I drew closer, I realized the black, lacy material was certainly not his. Poking out from just underneath the side of the bed was a piece of lingerie.

My stomach coiled. It probably belonged to that girl he had over there the other night. And then my thoughts fell into a dark, disturbing void, envisioning him taking it off her, his lips on her neck, those strong hands sliding over her body…

"No!" I shouted, squeezing my eyes shut and giving my head a shake. "Don't do this to yourself, Yuna. He doesn't know who you are. He never even met you until two nights ago. He…wasn't supposed to."

And it killed me inside. It was one thing to know about his past flings. But it was another entirely to see them, or at least one of them, and the evidence of one of their trysts lying on the ground next to my feet.

A wave of nausea suddenly rolled through me. Cupping a hand over my mouth, I dashed inside the master bathroom, flipped on the light, and just barely made it on my knees in front of the ceramic bowl, before emptying the contents of my breakfast into it.

I hurled a couple more times as my stomach clenched. Gasping for air, I gripped the sides of the toilet and tried to catch my breath, wondering if the coffee had really been the source of my sudden illness.

Being away from my friends, my home, and my fiancé was taking a toll on me. But I never thought it would result in my body acting so violently. The only other time I'd been in such a state was for a week after Tidus disappeared. So it wasn't out of the question.

Once my stomach calmed, I tore some toilet paper off the roll, wiped the corners of my mouth then flushed, sinking back on my legs in exhaustion. I was so tired now. That episode had really done a number on me.

Slowly, I rose to my feet, rinsed my mouth out at the sink then headed over to the bed to lie down. I only intended to rest there for a few minutes—just until the room stopped spinning. The dizziness was something new as well. Had discovering that piece of lingerie pushed me over the edge? I couldn't be certain.

The pillows and comforter were so soft and silky. And they all smelled of him. My best friend. My lover. My…fiancé.

"Tidus…" I mumbled, thinking of him as I snuggled into the bedding. "I… Miss you…so…much…"

Those few minutes had ended up being a lot longer than I'd planned though.

"Yuna…"

That soft, husky voice…

"Yuna…"

A strong, familiar hand carefully slid down my bare arm.

And that gentle touch…

"Yuna…"

Had it all been a horrible dream? A terrifying nightmare brought on by some deep-seeded fear I'd still been harboring of being torn away from him? Yet, I was still with him in a sense.

"Yuunaa…"

That playful voice…

If it had been a horrible nightmare, I wanted Tidus to expel whatever remained with his sensual touch and breathtaking kisses.

"Mmm…" I purred, eyes fluttering open only to discover I was still in a bedroom that was not my own. Realizing I'd fallen asleep on his bed, I bolted up and gasped as Tidus sat on the edge gazing at me in amusement. "I'm so sorry! I—"

"Hey, it's okay." He lightly chuckled. "I get it—this bed is a lot more comfortable."

Cheeks burning with shame, I looked away and nervously chewed on my lower lip, wondering what I would say. "I, um… I only intended to lie down for a moment. I… I should never have invaded your privacy like this. I'm so sorry! If…you want me to leave…"

"Why?" He grinned. "Because you fell asleep on my bed?"

"Um…" I didn't know how to respond, so I lowered my gaze and fidgeted with my half-skirt. "You must think I'm very—strange."

"Strange? Nah… Mysterious is more like it. Lucky for you, I like mysterious." His teasing smile abated into a thin line of concern. "You look kinda flush. You feeling okay?"

"Actually…I haven't felt well since trying another cup of coffee."

"Luca brew must be very weak. Maybe you should stick to tea while you're here."

He didn't seem upset in the slightest, which was a welcome relief. I'd really dodged a bullet.

"Mm…" I agreed with a nod. "I suppose."

"I'm gonna go take a shower and change. There's somewhere I'd like to take you after, if you're up for it?"

"That would be nice."

"Stay here and relax if you want. I won't be long."

And with that, he got up and grabbed an extra set of clothes out of the wardrobe then disappeared inside the bathroom.

I swung my feet over the edge of the bed and let out a long breath. It was a good thing I hadn't moaned his name when I was in that semi-conscious state or worse—uttered something I couldn't possibly walk back.

The steady flow of water from the showerhead emanated from behind the partially-open door. Glancing up, I wondered if he realized he'd failed to shut it completely.

My stomach swooped. I really shouldn't have been in there.

When I got up from the bed, I couldn't help but pause at the crack left open in the door. I should've kept moving. But my feet weren't budging. What was wrong with me? I was missing the man I loved—that's what.

Against my better judgment, I peered inside and caught a glimpse of his bare, muscular backside through the glass door of the shower. How I'd missed it—missed him.

If I were back in Spira, I'd have easily slipped inside and joined him, wrapping my arms around his waist. He would turn and claim my lips in a fiery kiss. Our hands would slide over each other's body in slow, sensual caresses. His mouth would be all over me. And mine on him. Then, he'd lift me up, my legs instinctively coiling around his waist, and we'd make love against the wall in that shower as the warm water slid down our skin. It would be wonderful and satisfying on many levels. Tidus was an amazing lover. He always knew where to touch me and how, melting me into a puddle of desire.

The water suddenly stopped, and my heart almost did as well. I scrambled away from the door and rushed out into the hall, hurrying up the stairs into the living room to take a seat on the sofa, hoping he hadn't spotted me peeking in on him.

My skin was even more flushed than before, pulse racing as a familiar throb came at my center. I really shouldn't have peered inside that crack.

After a few minutes, Tidus waltzed into the room, sporting a pair of jeans and a white, t-shirt along with his winning grin. "Ready to do some shopping?"

"Shopping?" I blinked in surprise.

"Well since you're gonna be staying here for a while, I thought you'd like to have more than just those two outfits. Unless you wanna try wearing my stuff?" he quipped with a chuckle.

"Oh, really, you don't have to. I'll be fine."

"I know I don't have to. I want to." Pulling me up by the arm, Tidus carefully guided me over to the door. "Besides, I'm not taking no for an answer."

"Tidus, really…. There's no room to put anything on your bike anyway."

"We're not taking my bike. I'm gonna rent a car over in the lot. Now, c'mon," he insisted, opening the door and tugging me along. "You gotta be the only girl I know that has to be dragged to a shopping spree."

He really didn't have to do this. But he was. He wanted to. And he'd only known me for a couple days. Had he done this sort of thing for his flings? Or was I an exception? And if I was…what did that mean? Maybe I was reading too much into it. Tidus could be very generous. He wanted me to be comfortable. That's all it was. At least I hoped that was the case.

Zanarkand fashion was unique and colorful...and perhaps a little too snug for my liking. Over the past couple years I'd adapted my wardrobe to include more mature styles, thanks to Rikku, but these short, form-fitting dresses just made me feel…cheap. They weren't me at all.

It was a bit of a strange experience for me—being in a store to buy an outfit. In Spira, our clothes were all tailor-made. So, imagine my surprise to walk into a place that had a wide range of clothing with so many sizes to choose from. And it'd taken some time for me to figure out which size fitted me best. But even still, I wasn't too fond of the styles they were offering.

Tidus insisted that this shop was the pinnacle of Zanrakand fashion, all made from top designers and highly sought after. Unfortunately, I was having a hard time finding any outfits that were comfortable or suited my tastes.

Exiting the change room, I neatly set the clothes I'd tried on onto the rack and made my way over to another section, hoping to find something more my style.

"How're we doing?" A tanned, ginger-haired woman in professional attire greeted me with a cheerful smile.

"Um… Well… Do you happen to have anything a bit more…flowy for dresses?"

"Not into the whole bodycon trend?" She leaned in as if she were about to tell me a secret and brandished a lopsided grin. "I'm not big on it either," she confessed in a hushed tone then drew back to nod over to another section near the wall. "We got some fabulous A-line and babydoll dresses back that way. They were the trend a few years ago and are about to make a comeback. But that section is specifically reserved for V. ."

That quickly dashed my hopes. "I see."

"It's a good thing your boyfriend is the hottest blitz star in Zanarkand. He gave specific instructions for management to ensure you're well looked after and have access to whatever you want. Cost not being an issue."

"Oh, uh… He's…not my boyfriend."

"You sure about that?" She arched a brow of intrigue. "He's never come here with another girl and foot the bill for them before."

Now, I didn't know what to think, or how to respond for that matter. "Um…"

"It's okay. I won't pry. And I won't go running to the press. We deal with celebrities regularly, so confidentiality is part of my job if I want to keep it. Let's have a look over in that section, hmm? You'll be the envy of every girl in Zanarkand. Those dresses are fresh off the runway."

The sales clerk had been right. Those dresses were more of what I'd had in mind. But the price tags were enough to have me reconsider.

Just as I was about to head back to the front of the store, Tidus appeared out of the men's section of where I was located and approached me with his charming smile.

"Got a pile waiting at the register yet?"

"Tidus, these prices are outrageous…"

"Thought I told you on the way over not to worry about that." His face was as serious as Paine with a sword, leaving me with the impression he was slightly agitated by reluctance to accept his overly generous offer.

"It's just that…I'm not used to anything like…" The words died on my lips as I thought back to what Tidus had done for me since he came back to Spira. He'd purchased a home for us as well as the lavish engagement ring I was wearing, and had spared no expense when we travelled or went out for a night on the town, even when I'd protested at the cost. Gil meant absolutely nothing to him. He loved to give more than receive. Why had I just now realized it?

"Look Yuna, I just wantcha to be happy and comfortable. Trust me, whatever you decide to get won't make a dent in my bank account if you're that worried." He then reached for my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Promise me you won't look at the price tags anymore."

"Mm… Okay."

Gaze flickering over to the rack behind me, Tidus released my hand and went to retrieve a strapless, aqua-colored, high-low dress off of it then held it up against me with a thoughtful expression.

"I think you'd look good in this. It matches your…unique eyes." And they were captivated at that moment by the longing look swirling in his. "Why dontcha try it on?"

"R-right now?" I stammered, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.

"Yeah, why not?" He shrugged with a soft chuckle. "Something tells me you need the confidence for whatever crazy reason."

"Um…okay."

Heading into the change room, I suddenly felt like I was a character in some cliché romance novel where some powerful, wealthy suitor lavished a poor, mysterious woman with gifts. I never thought Tidus would fit that description. But he did.

He'd given up his existence for me on my pilgrimage as a sacrifice so I could live—a hero in every sense of the word. Presenting himself as some selfish jock when he was actually a romantic at heart. Then I had to wonder if all of those instances had been only exclusive to me.

After slipping into the silky material, I carefully inspected myself in the mirror, and was pleasantly surprised how nice it looked on me. The dress loosely hugged my hips and flowed out mid-thigh, the back-half falling just above the back of my knee. It was cute and elegant, suitable for a night out, or even a luncheon.

I stepped out of the change room to find Tidus chatting with the sales clerk. Their conversation came to an abrupt end though when I appeared, attention shifting my way.

Tidus' assessing gaze slid over me in astonishment, mouth slightly agape. "Wow…" he breathed. "You look…gorgeous."

That prickling warmth returned to the tops of my cheeks. This man had a habit of knowing how to make me blush. And I couldn't hide it as much as I tried.

"You like it, then?"

"Uh-huh…" He then caught himself staring and nervously scratched the back of his head. "I, uh… I mean, it'll be good to wear out tomorrow night to the club."

A small smile touched my lips. It's not like his attraction to me came as a shock. We were engaged in the future after all. But it was a bit strange experiencing it like this.

The sales clerk's voice suddenly penetrated the awkward silence. "Shall I set this one up at the counter once you've changed?"

"Mm…" I affirmed with a nod.

"And at least another ten outfits before we call a day," Tidus instructed the sales clerk before glancing back at me. "I'll uh… I'll wait for you in the car, okay?"

"Okay."

"And try not to take all day," he added with a playful grin. "We got plans later."

"We do?" I blinked in confusion.

"Mhm…" Then, he turned and left with an airy bounce in his step.

"You're a lucky girl," the sales clerk indicated with a touch of envy. "Do you know how many girls would kill to be with the star player of the Zanarkand Abes?"

Too many to count from what Tidus had mentioned in the past. "Yes, but…how many really know him?"

"He's rich, famous and sexy. That's enough for most."

My brow dipped low at her shallow insight. "There's more depth to him than that."

I then headed inside the change room, leaving her to chew on those words.

After an hour of carefully selecting the new wardrobe Tidus had insisted upon purchasing for me, I returned to the black vehicle he'd called a convertible in the parking lot where he'd helped me to stash the bags into the trunk.

"Didya have fun?" he asked, swinging open the passenger door for me to take a seat inside.

"I suppose."

Tidus shut the door once I was situated then entered on the driver's side and started the ignition. "You don't sound very convincing."

"I'm…just a little overwhelmed by everything."

"Am I…trying too hard?"

"What do you mean?"

"At…y'know…getting your mind off things?"

"Oh... No," I disagreed with a slow sweep of my head then offered up a sweet smile. "You've been wonderful."

"Y'know what helps me unwind?"

"Blitzball?" I guessed.

Releasing a low chuckle, Tidus shifted the car into gear and began to dive it out of the lot. "Nah, that usually gets me keyed-up."

"Then what?"

"Mmm… I think it's better if I show you."

There was no doubt that whatever he had in mind would be fascinating. The man I was with was still my Tidus. His life in Zanarkand, however, was very different from Spira. And in turn, he was a bit different as well. That being the case, I began to feel a pang of guilt. I knew why though. The feelings stirring inside… They were similar to what I'd felt on my pilgrimage. And I didn't want to give them words.

None of this was supposed to happen.

We arrived at a building with a massive dome not long after. And I was both curious and excited at what awaited us inside.

At first, it didn't seem like much—just a bright, spacious atrium with a counter to purchase tickets to what I'd assumed would be a movie or play. Tidus then led me through a door into another room, which was laid out much like a sphere theater back in Spira. We took a seat in the middle of what appeared to be an abandoned auditorium. There was no screen to watch a sphere on and no stage, just rows of empty theatre seats.

"Um… What exactly is this place?"

"Give it sec. You'll see."

The room suddenly went dark, and I had to wonder what I'd gotten myself into. But nothing could've prepared me for what came next. The darkness lifted and a sea of stars lit up the entire area, along with colorful nebulas as if we'd been transported into the middle of a constellation.

"Omigosh!" I gasped. "It's so…beautiful."

Something resembling a tiny, shimmering star floated by my face, and I reached out to touch it. The ethereal object grew brighter, sending a tingly sensation through my finger and all the way up my arm, making me giggle in delight.

I was no stranger to holograms. Many spheres in Spira had that ability. But this one was unmatched to where I could physically touch things in the hologram and generate a response that I could actually feel.

"I knew you'd like it." Tidus was beaming like a bright ray of sunshine amongst the stars. "I come here a lot to unwind and just…think, y'know?" Leaning back in his seat, he gazed out at the constellations surrounding us with a pensive look on his face. "I often wondered about other worlds…like if they even exist or if it's all just fiction reserved for books and movies. When my old man went missing, some people started saying that he was taken to another world—that he stumbled upon some kinda portal."

Well, that theory wasn't too far off the mark. But I remained silent, allowing him to finish his thoughts.

"I dunno... I kinda wanted to believe it when my mom got sick. That maybe he'd somehow come back and my mom would get better." His brow creased at the painful memory. "Of course that didn't happen. But I still wondered…if this was all there was.

"No one ever mentions anything outside Zanarkand. And what's crazy is hardly anyone even questions it. You bring it up to someone and they look at you like you need to be in a rubber room." Lolling his head to the side, he gazed over at me with intrigue and issued a small smile. "And here you come along from someplace called Luca—a place no one ever heard of. A place that has no cars or motorbikes, where people fight fiends almost daily, and carry sphere's that harness strange powers of people who died. Sounds like a whole different world to me."

He wasn't wrong. But I was a little surprised by his thought process. When Tidus had first arrived in Spira, he'd experienced quite the culture shock. And for the longest time, he'd wanted nothing more than to find a way back home.

"Do you…want to visit other worlds?"

"Yeah, I think it'd be a blast!"

"But you love Zanarkand. Wouldn't you miss it?"

"Well, sure… But it's not like I couldn't come back. We're just talking about visiting another world, not getting stranded there." He then winced, realizing what he'd just said. "That was stupid of me… I'm sorry, I shouldn't have—"

"No, it's okay," I interjected with an ardent shake of my head. "Honestly, it's a rather unique situation to be in."

And because of it, I finally knew how Tidus had felt when he got sucked into Spira.

"I hope I haven't ruined this for you."

"No, not at all."

"Good." His smile returned. "Because this place is very special to me. I never brought anyone here before. They wouldn't appreciate it. Not like you. It's like you get me, y'know? And you don't judge me. I know we haven't known each other very long but… I feel like I can tell you just about anything. You're so easy to talk to."

Those gorgeous blue eyes held my gaze then dropped to my lips like earlier that morning. He was thinking about it—thinking of kissing me. And as much as I'd love to indulge, I couldn't let it happen. There was already too much at stake.

Looking away, I shifted in my seat and prepared to deflect. "So, were you always skeptical about things here…in Zanarkand?"

"Uh…" He drew in a quick breath then pressed his lips together in thought. "Not always. There were little things here and there over the years that made me wonder. But I didn't really start questioning things until just recently to be honest."

Now I was curious. "How recent?"

"I dunno," he shrugged with a laugh. "Over the past year, I guess. Why?"

The fayth had mentioned the reason Tidus had been able to return to me, and hadn't actually faded from existence, had everything to do with him developing a separate consciousness and a soul of his own. Questioning the world around him, where everyone else in Zanarkand didn't seem to, was a clear indicator of that happening. Or had it already happened? I couldn't be certain. And that worried me even more.

"Yuna…?"

"Hmm...?"

"You okay? You seem tense all of a sudden."

"Oh, uh… I'm fine, really." It wasn't a complete lie. But it's not like I could tell him what was ailing me. So, again, I opted to change the subject. "You told me why this place is special to you, now you get to ask me a question. That was our deal, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, that's right." That boyish grin, I adored, slowly stretched across his face. "Okay… So, you knew about Zanarkand before coming here, right?"

"Mhm…"

"Then…where you're from doesn't hide information from the public."

"I wouldn't say that…"

"Well, you knew about Zanarkand, or at least some things about it. And here, we don't know anything about Luca or anywhere else for that matter. So, I guess my question is—do you know if other worlds exist besides ours? Is there more beyond Luca and Zanarkand? Have you visited any of them?"

"Well, um…" This was going to be tricky. I couldn't tell him about the fayth and Palamecia. "Where I'm from, some of us learned only recently that other worlds exist. But I've… I've never been to any of them."

His eyes lit up. "So, it's true! There are other worlds out there! How many? And how do you travel to them?"

"I… I don't know. It's not something we've figured out yet."

Those ocean blue depths of his narrowed into a scrutinizing slit. "Then… How didya get here? Wait…you'd said you cheered for the Abes. So, Luca and Zanarkand—they're part of the same world, right?"

They were in a sense. I couldn't exactly elaborate on that though. "I believe so."

"Man, this is crazy! I knew there was more out there! I just knew it. So this world is even bigger than I thought."

I couldn't help but smile at how excited he'd become. It was as though he'd just discovered the secrets of the universe. And in a way, he kind of did…well, maybe just a small piece of it.

"Say Yuna…" His expression grew somewhat serious. "How is it that you don't know how to get back home then?"

That wasn't a question I was prepared for, yet, I had to find a way to answer it without revealing how I'd actually arrived there. "Sometimes…it's not possible to travel to some locations by conventional means. Sometimes it requires…a specific mode of transportation that's not easily obtained."

"And your friends…they have access to this special mode of transportation?"

"Mm…" I confirmed with a nod. "But it might be in need of repair. That's why they haven't found me yet."

"And you still don't recall how you got here?"

It's not like I could answer that honestly. "Um…no, I don't."

"Don't worry. I'm sure things will work out. Besides, being here isn't so bad, is it?" He gestured to all the bright stars and colorful nebula's swirling around us. "Zanarkand has its perks."

"Yes, it certainly does."

"I really enjoy spending time with you, y'know?"

A tingling warmth spread across my cheeks. "I… I enjoy spending time with you as well."

"People around here are not into deep conversations. They lack substance and I find myself having to…I dunno—be more like them in order to fit in." Releasing a mirthless laugh, he met my gaze in a quiet despair as if he were pleading for help. "Sometimes I feel like I'm losing myself to it all. Drowning in an endless sea where no one sees me or cares. All they see is a spoiled blitzball star living it up."

"Then that's a shame, because I see a sweet, generous man, who likes to have a lot of fun, and is more selfless than he even realizes. You just want people to like you for who you are. And not something you're not."

The sadness in his eyes faded into a longing adoration. "How is it that you know me so well?"

Because I had for a while, now. Tidus was complex. And it took time, but I'd managed to unravel the mysteries of the man I loved through due diligence and patience.

"I just do, I suppose."

To my surprise, his hand came up to gently stroke the side of my face, making my stomach flutter. A surge of emotions suddenly battered me like a raging storm. I couldn't let things progress. I just couldn't…

But I was losing the internal battle warring inside me, held captive by the depth of emotion gleaming in those dreamy blue eyes.

Then, his eyelids drooped, face inching closer…

If I intended to pull away I'd have to do it now, only it was too late. Tidus' lips, ever-so-gently, brushed over mine in a soft, feathery kiss that had my pulse racing, lasting only a moment before he dipped his head and released a troubled sigh.

"I'm sorry…" he breathed, drawing back to nervously scratch his head. "I shouldn't have done that."

Still tingling from his unexpected gesture, I absently rested a hand against my chest and began to fret over how all of this would impact the life we shared in the future. Would Tidus have these memories now? If I returned home tomorrow, what would've changed?

Then, I thought about our first meeting in Besaid when I'd finally become a full-fledged summoner, just before we embarked on my pilgrimage. If Tidus had these memories, and I didn't at that time, how would that change things? Would he mention them? Would I push him away? All of this could impact not only our future, but Spira's.

How could I be so reckless? I should never have set foot on that houseboat.

"Yuna, I'm sorry. I… Ugh…" Squeezing his eyes shut, Tidus rubbed his brow and let out a dejected sigh. "I'm just not used to someone seeing me for me. And I know that's not an excuse for what I did. It's just…"

"It's okay, I understand."

Tidus looked over at me, face marred in regret, yet possessing a slight element of surprise. "You do?"

"When we're in a vulnerable state, sometimes our emotions can take over. You were…revealing a very personal side of yourself to someone who seems to understand you better than those around you. So, I can see how one would get swept up in the moment."

"Then you're not mad at me?"

I was angry with myself, not him. "No, I'm not mad at you."

The constellations swirling around us began to fade and the room brightened.

"I, uh… I promise that won't happen again. And I hope…you can forgive me for it."

"Mm…" I nodded with a sure smile.

A relieved grin appeared on his face. "You're a good friend, Yuna."

Friend… I was more than just his friend. But that was reserved for the Tidus back home in Spira, which I hoped I would return to soon before I could do anymore damage.

"We should go." Tidus stood and I followed suit, tailing him over to the exit where he paused to open the door for me. "You must be hungry by now."

"A little."

"Ever had chimichangas before?"

"No…" And I was almost afraid. "Is that some kind of wild beast?"

Tidus gave a full-belly laugh and shook his head. "Nah… Your stomach can turn into one, though, if they're overly spiced. Good thing, I know a place that does them right. C'mon..."

The air had, thankfully, lightened between us. That brief kiss was still on my mind though. To Tidus, I was a woman, engaged to another man. I was off limits. Then again, that hadn't stopped him from kissing me at the spring when I was technically married to that twisted guado. But everyone knew that marriage was nothing but a horrible plan gone wrong.

My fiancé had mentioned the night we'd stayed at the Mi'ihen travel lodge that when he wanted something bad enough, he'd do anything to make it happen. And he'd followed through on that promise. All that was left was for us to walk down the aisle and make it official. We had the home. I had the ring. And we had Rikku in charge of the wedding plans.

That man of mine didn't give up so easily, unless he thought whatever he was giving up would protect me. Did he feel that way now? I wondered. Did he only pull away because he thought it would serve my benefit? That could only mean one thing. And I doubted even I could stop it at this point.