Authors Notes: Okay guys I am really sorry if it seemed like I was dragging the story out a little, I honestly had no intention of doing that on purpose and hope that you guys can forgive me for it! My problem is that I'm too wrapped up in my writing and everything else that is going on with my life at the moment. Again I'm sorry, and as promised the plot does reveal itself in this chapter. Unfortunately, this story will be on temporary hiatus while I'm in Japan for the next month or so. I'm really sorry to everyone who is enjoying this so far and apologize but I'm afraid there's not much I can do…I look forward to seeing you all when I get back!

However, on much sadder note, I was astonished to hear that a very well known, favored and talented author here on this site stopped writing fan fiction for a particular section on the website all because she was being flamed and harassed constantly by a reader. I would just like to say first of all, people who flame I see as a plague on this website. No story is perfect and we all know that, but to put people down just because you disagree or don't like a certain aspect of the story I think, is horrible.

Constructive criticism is one thing; you are telling people how they can improve there work and how to achieve better results and responses. Some authors on this website have very fragile creative spirit (especially first timers) and just one flame or negative comment can shatter a person's confidence. We all have different tastes in what kind of stories we all like to read, with some genres and parings being more popular then others, and therefore all stories are of course, written differently. I would also like to point out that just because you think that your opinion is right, doesn't necessarily mean that it is either.

Nobody flames by "accident", and I can't stand people being so cowardly that they won't even own up to it. I can't stand anonymous flamers either, if you think that your opinion should be so strongly regarded and taken notice of, then you should at least sign in so that the author can at least know who you are and contact you. Finally, the last kinds of flames I can't stand are people who have the nerve to criticize other people's works and yet have written no stories themselves. Crystal Remnant (my sister's penname) received a flame from a member on this site who not only hadn't written any of her own stories, but couldn't spell the names of the characters that my sister used in her story as well. That I'm afraid, says more about the reviewer rather then the author. I would like to finish my rant by simply stating what an incredibly cute, smart yet young rabbit once said which I think sums up what I've been trying to say throughout this passage thus far.

"If you can't say something nice…then don't say nothing at all." Quoted by Thumper the rabbit from the movie 'Bambi' (My sister's philosophy on reviews…and mine as well.)

Sorry guys about my ranting, I simply needed to vent. I'm sure that most of you agree on what I'm saying…the author who was abused was one of my favorites and I'm really upset that she has decided to stop writing. Anyway, here's the next chapter so enjoy and don't forget to review…all constructive criticism and praise is welcome! And thank-you to all my reviewers who of course are greatly appreciated.


Chapter 4-Uncertainty

Yuna made her way out into the cool night air, allowing the soft breeze to chill her skin. The stars were seemingly diamonds embedded in a blanket of darkness, shining brilliantly. All at once Yuna felt at peace. The heated conversation in the hut was now two days past and already it felt like it had happened years ago…everything she had at the moment was perfect. Finally, after two years of silent suffering she now had everything that she had ever dreamed of since she could remember; a home with the one she loved and caring friends close by, and yet, she couldn't help but feel in the depth of her heart that everything was too right. She instantly tried to slap the thought away by telling herself that she was just being paranoid…but it continued to linger in the recesses of her mind making her feel uneasy and aggravated.

'What's wrong with me…?'

"I'm back!" Tidus shut the door behind him quietly and turned, expecting to see Yuna, who instead of running up and welcoming him home was no where in sight and instead, he was greeted with an empty room. Carefully he made his way through the small dwelling, looking for any sign of her presence and eventually came upon the open back door swaying gently in the breeze. Standing beneath the palms was Yuna looking out into the distance…she seemed to be completely oblivious to the fact that he had just arrived home. Slowly, Tidus made his way over to her, trying hard to study her small form in the shadows so as to find a clue for the reason why she was in such a deep trace…to no avail. Stopping short just behind Yuna's back, he gradually began snaking his arms around her waist as his head came to lay in the crevasse of her neck.

"Hey there beautiful," he whispered in a rather playful tone, his lips coming to rest dangerously close to her ear.

At the sudden sound of his voice, Yuna gasped in surprise, almost leaping out of his arms in fright. "Whoa! Calm down it's only me…you know I don't bite!" Tidus said reassuringly, tightening his hold on her hips to steady her.

"T-Tidus?" She questioned in a rather unnaturally shaky voice, while cautiously turning to face his concerned expression.

"The one and only! Hey, what's wrong? You're really upset about something aren't you?"

"No…I was-I mean…you just…scared me that's all." She clarified rather unconvincingly while burying her face in his chest in a somewhat vain attempt to hide the worry that was so blatantly apparent on her features. Tidus only sighed in exasperation before continuing…she was so easy to read.

"Yuna…you don't have to lie to me you know?"

"I'm not," she tried to say firmly, her voice rather muffled by his shirt.

"Uh huh…sure you aren't," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

For some reason, this only angered Yuna…and although she had told her self repeatedly that she wasn't holding a grudge against Tidus anymore, she couldn't help but bring it up again to defend her actions.

"What does it matter if I'm lying? I'm only returning the favor."

Tidus was practically speechless at her words…he was doing his best to make up for those promises he had broken and he thought that she understood…apparently she didn't. However, the last thing he wanted at the moment was to fight with her, and although her words had irritated him, he tried to brush them off as though they were harmless and decided to try and steer the conversation in another direction. Besides, he sort of understood why she was mad at him…but she obviously couldn't see how hard he was working to re-earn her trust.

He forced a smile while extracting her face from its hiding place in his chest, trying to meet Yuna's gaze. But she only averted her eyes to the ground. With that one simple statement, all of her insecurities and anger had resurfaced as tears of frustration began to pool in the corners of her eyes.

"Yuna…come on look at me."

"No…"

'It's your fault I feel like this…'

Tidus only sighed in annoyance before reaching out and grasping her hand firmly, pulling her along away from their hut and out of the village. Yuna was pulled along so quickly that it took her a moment to figure out what was happening…and even then, they had already passed the threshold of the small settlement and were climbing the hill that lead down to the ocean.

"Tidus…what-"

"You obviously have something on your mind that's bothering you, not to mention making you upset. I figured that maybe a walk down on the beach maybe the perfect thing to calm you down…and besides, a beach is quite the romantic place don't you think?" He turned to face Yuna, his face practically beaming as he dragged her along. He winked at her before turning back around and all at once, she felt her face begin to burn at even just the mere suggestion of something like that.

"We're here!" He proclaimed loudly before running towards the water at an incredibly fast pace, his wheaten locks blowing carelessly in the wind. Yuna couldn't believe the sight before her…the sand was bleached white in the moonlight as the dark ocean lapped away playfully at her feet. It was so serene. She closed her eyes, taking in the gentle smell of salt as her dusty brown trusses danced happily in the gentle breeze. All of a sudden, she was engulfed by a warm sensation from behind, and she knew what it was…a mischievous smile began playing at the corners of her mouth.

"So are you going to tell me what's going on?" He whispered from behind, Yuna just smiled and leaned into his embrace, enjoying the feeling of his breath on the back of her neck.

"Hmmm…I don't even remember what it was anymore," she mumbled distractingly…she did remember, but she was sure that bringing her problems up would only ruin this sweet rapture of simply being in his arms.

Tidus sniggered lightly. "I don't believe you. And if you don't tell me soon, I'm afraid I'm going to have to punish you harshly my dear." He said in a menacing tone. He was planning something.

"Oh my, whatever shall I do?" Yuna said in an equally exaggerated voice.

"Tell me or suffer the consequences!"

"Never!"

Suddenly, Tidus threw his arms around the ex-summoner's waist as she squirmed and squealed about in mock protest. "Let me go!" Tidus only chuckled as he carried Yuna further out into the water, lowering her alarmingly close to the surface. She stopped thrashing when she realized what his intensions were.

"You wouldn't dare…!" She was finding the idea of being completely saturated very unappealing; not only because she would have to endure a long walk freezing to death on her way back to the village, but also her clothes would be completely see through. Although Yuna loved him and she was sure that he would never ever do anything unpleasant to her, even the thought made her feel dreadfully uncomfortable.

But if she didn't want to be 'punished' then she would have to tell him everything, a concept which seemed quite unappealing, even more so then getting wet.

"Oh I will if you don't tell me what's bothering you!"

"N-no!" Yuna forced out in-between nervous laughs.

"Oh well, I warned you!"

With that, Yuna's captive whisked his arms out from under her small frame as she hit the water with a small 'splash'. Upon resurfacing, most of her hair was stuck to her face, covering her eyes as she floundered around trying to regain her balance in the water. Tidus, unable to find her image somewhat hilarious, couldn't help himself when he erupted into fits of giggles. By the time that Yuna had composed herself as much as possible after wiping the water and hair out of her eyes and she saw him pointing and laughing, she was fuming.

"Just what is so funny?" She said her voice uncharacteristically serious.

"Y-you!" He retorted, trying to stifle his laughter before he upset her any further.

Yuna's fury erupted; she waded up to Tidus and slapped him across the face with one smooth, powerful swipe. Tidus was taken by surprise and the force of the blow knocked him onto his backside. The water churned and sloshed around him and he quickly scrambled to his feet with a dumbfounded look on his face to find Yuna giggling at him, "WHAT?" He yelled at her, "I laughed at you because of how funny you looked in the water so you slapped me and now that I am in your position you're laughing at me?"

Yuna, still chuckling, plopped down into the water next to him, put her arms around his neck, and brought her face very close to his, "well, you were right for a change," she whispered, her lips brushing his, "it is funny to see someone scrambling around in the water!" Yuna giggled again now teasing Tidus as her lips, once again, brushed against his.

"Well," said Tidus, are you going to kiss me or will I have to kiss you, it's your choice!"

"Um," Yuna chuckled, then she pressed her lips against Tidus'.

She pushed herself eagerly against his lips, attempting to deepen the kiss. Eventually, Tidus began to reciprocate, pushing just as firmly as they both sank down into the soft sand.

They both eventually broke off, their need for oxygen only slightly winning in the conflict of their wanting to stay like that forever. Yuna smiled, her doubts had disappeared for the moment, "I missed you so much," her eyes started to fill with tears, "I felt so lost without you, I wanted you back so badly!"

Tidus was overcome by her emotion, "I know," he murmured into wet hair. "I missed you too, very, very much," he gently pulled back so that he could look into her captivating bi-colored eyes, "but I'm back now, and I am never going to leave you ever again. I promise. Yuna," he continued his voice strained and hoarse with emotion, "this is a promise that I am going to keep, no matter what it takes, I am going to be with you…always."

Yuna looked into his brilliant blue eyes and saw nothing but truth there, she was suddenly very calm as she wrapped her arms tightly around him, "I know Tidus, I know."

They stayed like that for a while, just holding each other, until Yuna lifted up her head and looked at Tidus, "We had best be getting back, Lulu will have dinner ready soon," at the mention of food Tidus' eyes brightened as he suddenly remembered how hungry he was. "Yeah," he said eagerly "I'm starving, aren't you?" Yuna just laughed as she got up and helped Tidus to his feet.

As they were walking up to the village hand in hand, Tidus noticed something out of the corner of his eye. Deciding it best to keep Yuna out of danger, he ushered her forward, "hey, Yuna," he said, "why don't you go on up ahead of me okay, I'll be there in a jiffy."

Yuna, being too giddy from their previous encounter failed to notice his rather serious expression. "Ahh, well alright Tidus don't take too long though, okay?" Yuna looked at him for a moment, noticing his rather distracted look, but then at seeing a reassuring smile on his face she continued to walk back up towards the village. "Wait for me," was all he offered before venturing back down towards the beach.

Tidus edged his way towards the ocean, his heart pounding furiously in his chest in anticipation of what he may find. Curiosity had always been one of his greatest weaknesses…and most of the time, it led him to nothing but trouble…and this time apparently, was no exception.

"Hello."

Tidus turned sharply at the sound of the voice and suddenly came face to face with the young ghostly figure that he had come to know all too well during his time in Spira.

The Fayth.

But why was he here…?

Tidus didn't even want to think about it.

"We have to talk…something is wrong."

"Uh huh, I was afraid of that." Tidus responded gloomily.

'I should've known I couldn't come back without something going wrong…that would just be too convenient wouldn't it?'

He had a feeling that this problem was going to be anything but small…and these feelings of his were usually right.

'Terrific, I'm sure Yuna will be happy about this.'


A/N: And done…God, I had to force myself against my will to get this chapter out, so much so that I had my friend write some of it for me…so you can all thank Obsidian Crystal for writing about the last ¼ of this chapter for me. I hope that you all enjoy it! I am terribly sorry that I took so long to update, it's just that at the moment, the last thing I want to be doing is sitting still at my computer writing. I don't know whether it's because I go to Japan for a month in three days or what but I seriously didn't want to write. I'm sure that you guys can probably tell that this chapter is forced and rushed but that's because I didn't want to do it and I wanted to update before I left. So feel free to criticize me for that too if you want.

I've been considering deleting this story for sometime now as well, simply because it's not playing out how I want it to. If you guys can convince me otherwise I will continue but only if the majority of you really think that I should continue…otherwise it shall be deleted.

So please review, if nobody does I'll assume you guys want the story deleted. LOL. I apologize to all my favorite authors as well, as I have already mentioned, I will be in Japan for the next month and thus unable to review or update stories. I apologize again and look forward to seeing you all when I return, hopefully with renewed inspiration for writing.

Warui-Usagi