A/N: Sorry for the long wait, everyone. It's just that I haven't had the time to do anything else besides studying lately. So bear with me please, 'cause I have no idea when next chapter is coming out. By the way, this is the last chapter, the next one will be an epilogue. Hope you'll like it

Chapter 25

Every story must have an ending

"Yuna…"

A soft whisper… so soft I almost didn't hear it.

A gentle touch… warming up my cold skin.

I sighed, smiling in my sleep. Then, I heard that kind voice calling me again… and again. I didn't want to wake up, but my eyes fluttered open nevertheless and I found myself looking directly into Tidus' eyes. He smiled tenderly at me. "Hey, sweetie."

I blinked, feeling confused and unable to think clearly. "Tidus?"

He ran a hand through my hair, resting it on my neck and looking at me adoringly, his blue eyes glistening with love. For a moment, I believed it was still Saturday night and I had dreamt everything that had followed — waking up without him by my side, spending the rest of the day impatiently waiting for a call from him and finally going to bed, disappointed he hadn't called. For a moment, I thought he hadn't left me to wake up alone and I smiled, relieved and reassured. But then, my smile faded as I placed my eyes on his black sweater. He wasn't wearing that at the party, I thought, swallowing hard. He wasn't wearing it when we were together…

He noticed the change in my face and he frowned. "Yuna, I…"

"Why didn't you call?" I asked lowly. Now I could see he was fully dressed and he was lying on the blankets, not beneath them. My lips twisted with the sudden pain in my heart — he had left me after all; it hadn't been just a bad dream…

He caressed my face. "I couldn't. I'm sorry, baby, I wanted to."

"I don't understand…" I told him honestly, sitting up and rubbing my eyes to wipe away the sleep and the tears that were forming. I wouldn't cry without hearing what he had to say…

He sighed and tried to put an arm around my shoulders, but I got away from his reach, pulling my knees to my chest and wrapping my arms around them. I didn't want to be comforted by him right now; I was hurt, I needed an explanation, I needed him to give me a reason for his behavior… Maybe then I could understand, and forgive. I looked at him questioningly, waiting for him to explain himself.

He withdrew his hand, sadness stamped in his eyes. "Last night… was wonderful," he began, "and I wanted nothing more than stay with you for the rest of the day. But Auron called me at the break of dawn and I…" He trailed off and I noticed he was having difficulty in continuing — he had never been the most eloquent guy…

If it had been a couple of years ago, or even a few months, I would have probably kept my silence, standing my ground and making him understand my position — he had hurt me again. But so many things had happened since then, so much had changed… I had changed. And I had also learned that I wasn't the owner of the truth and that sometimes I needed to hear what other people had to tell me… This is one of those times, I thought, looking at Tidus.

"Why did Auron call you?" I asked quietly, changing position — my legs were now stretched under the sheets and my hands placed on my lap. I wasn't going to touch him yet, he knew it, but he seemed to relax a bit when he realized I would listen to his explanation.

Closing his eyes, he sighed deeply. "Auron… he called me because… because of Zanarkand. The Abes were demanding my presence there, for a press conference."

I frowned. "But… but you were here. I mean, you were here in Besaid. How could they expect you to go to Zanarkand for a press conference?"

He smirked. "They could expect it because they sent their fastest ship to come and pick me up." My eyes widened and he continued, "You can't say no to these people, Yunie. They always get what they want."

I didn't say anything for a long moment. I knew the Abes were capable of calling Tidus anywhere, anytime. And I knew he would go as soon as they called him — it was his job on the line, he couldn't risk it. But I was still surprised at what had happened. "So you're telling me you left because you had to go to Zanarkand for a press conference?" He nodded seriously. "Then… how come you're already here? I mean, what time is it?"

"It's four in the morning." He answered quickly. Then he continued, a mischievous smile forming on his lips. "I've just arrived from the airport — I don't know why, but every time I come to Besaid in the middle of the night I always tend to visit you in your sleep…"

I smiled, and this time I didn't get away when he reached for me, pulling me towards him in a tight embrace. When he let go of me, he kissed my forehead tenderly and kept an arm around me, as I placed my head on his shoulder. He then told me the details — the Abes had called Auron, who had called Tidus in turn. He had intended on leaving me a note or something before going to meet Auron but he hadn't had the time. "Besides, I didn't know what to say…" He admitted, shrugging. "Words didn't seem enough to… to express what I felt last night… I felt… so happy, so complete…"

"I know." I whispered, one of my hands placed on his chest, my fingers playing with his sweater. "Last night, I felt whole again…"

We stayed in silence for a long moment, just enjoying each other's company. Tidus was playing with my hair distractedly, caressing my face now and then. I was watching his chest rise and fall with each steady breath, as I also breathed in his scent.

"What's going to happen now, Tidus?" I asked quietly after awhile.

"Now, my love," he replied in the same tone, "you're going to sleep, 'cause you need to rest."

"I don't wanna wake up alone again…" I whispered, cuddling up close to him.

"You won't, Yunie. I'll be here." He said, kissing my hair.

I sighed. "You'll be here tomorrow, but what about the next day? I don't want to say goodbye again, Tidus."

He placed two fingers under my chin and tilted my head up, so I could look him in the eye. Then he kissed me, before saying softly, "Then don't say goodbye… Let's just say goodnight for now."

I sighed again and nodded, lying in his arms and allowing sleep to take over me.

-----XX-----

The morning after, I woke up late. Tidus was still sleeping by my side, a peaceful expression softening his features. I sighed contentedly, finding some comfort in his presence; he had stayed with me just like he had said he would. His hair was falling to his face and I gently brushed it away, kissing him softly on the cheek; he didn't wake up and I decided to let him rest a little longer, after all, he had had a long day the day before…

Finding a spot next to him, I lied there, accommodating my body to his and placing my head on his chest. I slowly closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It was Monday, it was a school day — I didn't know what time it was but I was sure I was extremely late for college (thankfully Gippal was the one to give a ride to Paine and Rikku that day). Yet, I didn't care how late I was or even if I was going to miss my classes… I was with Tidus, I had spent the night with him — two nights in a row actually — and I just couldn't be happier. My joy just wasn't complete because of the fact that Tidus would be gone within a few days… I grimaced; I really didn't want to think about that at the moment.

Tidus shifted position and I looked up at him. He had his eyes opened and a huge grin was forming on his lips. "Hey, stranger…"

I returned the smile, stretching my neck so I could give him a kiss. "Hey. Did you have nice dreams?"

"I dreamed I was with you…" He answered. "It was a good dream. Then I realized I was with you. It was even better."

I laughed and then kissed him again — he placed his arms around me and pulled me closer to him. "Thank you." I said softly.

"For what?"

"For staying 'til the end." He didn't reply but I felt his embrace tightening. Looking at him, I saw he had become serious again — I could tell by his expression he had something to say, but he was trying to find the words. "What's wrong, baby? You know you can tell me…"

He looked at me and sighed. "I know. But I don't… I have to tell you, but if I could… I don't think I want to."

I sat up straight and looked him in the eye. I was beginning to feel worried with such hesitation from his part — what had happened that he wasn't telling me? "What is it, Tidus?" I asked firmly. "Tell me."

He noticed my distress and ran his hands up and down my arms, resting them on my shoulders. "It's nothing to worry about, Yuna."

"Then tell me."

He nodded and then blurted out, "I'm not going back to Zanarkand next Saturday as it was planned. I'm going today."

It took me a moment to assimilate what he was telling me. When I finally did it, a single word escaped my lips "Today?"

"Tonight, actually." He explained. "And I was supposed to have stayed there yesterday — the Abes wanted me to stay. But I told Auron I had to come back, I had to… to tell you, to explain to you… I just couldn't go without saying anything."

I bit my lower lip and took a deep breath to calm myself down. It would be the worst moment to have a nervous crisis… "Is Shuyin going with you?" I asked as calmly as I could. My voice was barely audible.

Tidus nodded again. "He's already packing. But he won't go without saying…"

"Goodbye." I finished, looking down at my hands. I took another deep breath and then faced him again. "How much time do we have?"

Tidus looked at his wrist watch. "Not much… I still have to pack my things and I want to say farewell to our friends. And I want to be with you…" He added, cupping my face with his hands.

"I want to be with you too." I whispered, getting closer to him. "Until the last the moment." I leaned in, kissing him softly on the lips.

About an hour later we left my room and descended the stairs to find an empty house. We got out through the front door and climbed into his rented vehicle. He turned on the engine and looked through the window to my house and to the house next to it — Lulu's.

"I have to come and say goodbye to them." He said, driving away.

"Maybe later, when Wakka's at home. He would hate you if you didn't say anything to him." I stated.

It didn't take us long until we reached Shuyin's apartment. Tidus parked the car and we both got out, entering the building and taking the elevator to the third floor. It was a strange thing, but now that we knew our time was scarce, instead of enjoying every moment, it seemed we could hardly touch each other — it seemed all the passionate fervor we were feeling had been depleted that morning in my room and now we were somehow trying to begin dealing with the separation that was upon us…

Tidus opened the door and we both entered the small apartment. Shuyin was in his room, but as soon as he heard the door closing he came into view. "Finally, Tidus! I was seeing you'd— Yuna!" He smiled at me, and then looked at his brother questioningly.

"I already know, Shu." I told him, half-smiling.

"Yeah, I told her." Tidus explained. "I owed her that."

"I know." Shuyin said, nodding. His eyes met mine. "I was gonna visit you later, to say… you know."

"Well, let's not think of that right now." I replied, trying to sound cheerful. "I came to help you packing."

"Then what are you waiting for, girl?" Shuyin asked jokingly, throwing the clothes he was holding in his hands at me. "Start working!"

I laughed and began folding the clothes as we kept playing and joking with each other. Shuyin had decided he wasn't going to take anything with him, except for his clothes and some of his personal belongings. When I asked him what he was going to do with the apartment, he said that he was going to rent it, maybe even sell it. Anyways, he wasn't worried about that — all he cared about was the life he was about to start. "And if everything goes well," he added, a glint in his eyes, "I won't have money problems and maybe I'll keep this apartment for future visits to Besaid."

"Well, I would certainly like that." I said, chuckling. "After all, I'm staying behind." Shuyin and Tidus turned serious at once. "C'mon, guys, I'm kidding. I know you'll visit me and all that. I'm not worried."

Their expressions softened, but still Tidus took a step in my direction, hugging me and planting a kiss on my forehead. "You say you're not, baby, but… I know you are."

"Tidus…"

"Listen, guys," Shuyin interrupted. "Everything's already packed and set to go. I can finish things around here. Why don't you go for a walk or something, huh?"

Tidus looked at me. "What do you say?"

"I don't know." I said, looking at my watch. "School's day almost over and Rikku must be getting home soon enough. She'll probably get worried about me. After all, we didn't leave a note or anything…"

"Yeah, you're right." Tidus agreed. However I could see he was a little disappointed. "Then maybe we should go to your house."

I put my arms around his waist. "Let's go just for a little bit and then let's be alone for awhile, okay?"

He smiled and bent down to kiss me. "Okay."

"Hey, hey!" Shuyin exclaimed. "You're making me jealous here!"

We laughed and broke apart. Then Tidus turned to his brother. "Hey, Shu, why don't you come with us? Our flight is in about four hours, there's time enough to go to Yuna's and then we can also visit Lulu and Wakka. We can't leave without saying goodbye to them."

"Sure." Shuyin replied. "But I'm not gonna be like a third wheel, am I?"

"Don't be silly, Shuyin!" I told him. "If your brother and I wanted to do something we wouldn't invite you to tag along, would we?"

"I guess not." He said, sticking out his tongue. "Well, in that case… let's get going 'cause I still have things to do around here."

A few minutes later we were driving through the city. Shuyin and I were catching up, for we hadn't had much time to talk lately, not even at the party. We were actually talking about the party — Shuyin was being very discreet, but I had the feeling Tidus had told him about us and the night we had shared together. We weren't talking about that, anyways, we were talking about… Lenne. After she had been with me and Tidus, she had gone to find Shuyin and to talk to him. Shuyin didn't exactly tell us what they had talked about, but somehow I sensed the conversation had gone well, for Shuyin was kind of relaxed and calm about it. He and Lenne hadn't made up, as some may have been expecting, but at least they were at peace with each other. I guess things would be easier for them from now on.

We arrived at my place and Tidus parked the car in the driveway. We got out of the car and climbed the front steps to the porch. Opening the door, I called out for Rikku. She came into vision a second later. "Yunie! Where have you been?"

"Hi, Rikster." Tidus greeted from behind me, one of his hands on the small of my back.

Rikku grinned widely and looked at me. "Oh, now I can see with who you've been."

"What? Rikku!" I exclaimed.

"Kiddin'! Come in, you guys. Gippal's here too. We're watching a movie." She said, turning on her heels and reentering the living room.

Tidus and Shuyin followed her to the living room, but I climbed the stairs and entered my room to go get my cell phone, which I had forgotten there. I turned it on and put it in my pocket, descending the stairs again and joining the rest of them.

Tidus had saved me a place next to him. "Sit here, Yunie. It's okay, Rikku has found out, so we don't need to keep it a secret anymore."

I frowned, gazing at my cousin. "You found out? How?"

She smiled mischievously. "Well, you're the one who told me to lock my door, but apparently you forgot your own advice. I found you two together this morning when I went to wake you up. But it's okay, if you want to keep it a secret, Gippal and I won't tell."

I couldn't help but to smile; Rikku could be very sweet when she was in the mood. "I guess you don't have to keep it a secret. Tidus is leaving today anyways and—"

"You're leaving today?" Gippal asked, taken by surprise.

Tidus nodded, explaining, "Yeah, I need to go back to Zanarkand. The coach wants me there 'cause the Abes are gonna start training tomorrow and Shuyin's going to sign the contract and that kind of stuff."

Rikku looked a little sad. "I'm glad for you, Shuyin. But I'm kinda sad you guys have to go. I was loving to have you around!"

"Riks, I promise I'll visit you as often as I can, okay?" Tidus said, leaning forward and touching Rikku's knee.

"You said the same two years ago."

"Rikku…" I started. "There were many reasons why Tidus couldn't come to Besaid more frequently. Now's not the time to enumerate them, okay?"

She nodded silently. Gippal then asked, maybe to change the subject, "So, where are you gonna live in Zanarkand, Shuyin?"

Shuyin shrugged. "I'm gonna crash at Tidus' for a time. After all, I'm already used to live with him." He added, jokingly.

Tidus punched him playfully. "You meanie!"

We all laughed. After a few minutes though, Tidus and Shuyin decided it was time to visit Lulu and Wakka. Gippal and Rikku escorted us to the back door. "This is really goodbye again, isn't it?" Rikku asked, her eyes bright with unshed tears.

"Don't put it like that, kiddo." Tidus scratched the back of his head. "Remember a long time ago when you said you wanted to take a picture with me to show everyone I was your best friend?" Rikku nodded. "Well, I'm still your best friend, Riks. And I'm taking our photos with me, to show to the guys over there who's the hottest Al Bhed in Besaid."

"Hey, hey, hey! I don't want you to go and show off my girlfriend!" Gippal interrupted, holding a grinning Rikku close to him. "She's hot but she's mine."

Tidus laughed. "Okay, Gippal, I won't show anyone Rikku's pictures. But… you have to promise me you'll take care of my little friend, huh? And… and her family." He ended up, glancing at me.

Gippal understood and put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, man, I've got it covered."

Tidus nodded and then pulled Rikku into a tight hug. "I'm gonna miss you, Rikster. I still haven't found anyone funnier than you."

"Maybe one day I'll go and visit you. Maybe Yuna can take me there." Rikku said, winking slightly.

"Maybe, who knows?"

We made our way across the luxurious garden, where the first flowers were beginning to grow and open, and then Shuyin knocked on Lulu's back door. Wakka was the one to open it, little Vidina in his arms. "Shuyin, Tidus and Yuna? What are ya guys doing here, ya?"

Shuyin smiled. "Aren't you even gonna let us in?"

"Sorry. Come in, of course. Lulu's in the living room, ya."

He waited for us to enter and then closed the door, guiding us to the living room (as if none of us had ever been in that house). Shuyin was right behind Wakka, but Tidus waited for me, reaching for my hand and taking it to his lips, before entwining our fingers. I smiled at him and nodded and we finally entered the living room, showing everyone we were together again with a simple gesture as holding hands. Lulu observed us intently and then smiled in my direction. I knew she wouldn't ask any questions — she knew it better than anyone else, she knew it from the beginning.

As the conversation went on, I took the time to watch my friends — Wakka holding the baby carefully, Lulu helping him out from time to time, in the most caring way. Little Vidina wasn't so little anymore; he had grown in the past few weeks and his red hair was a little longer so we could see it would be exactly like his father's. I smiled at this, imagining what it would be like when I would have kids of my own. Would they look like me or like Tidus? I cringed at this last thought. How could I be thinking of having kids with Tidus if he was going away again? Actually I didn't even know how long he would stay away this time, or if things would be different from the last. What made me believe that? If things hadn't worked out once, what made me so fiercely believe they would this time? I closed my eyes, trying to avoid these doubts that were filling my mind. I couldn't allow myself to think that way, for my doubts had been the reason why I had suffered so much in the past.

"You okay, baby?" Tidus whispered, gently caressing the back of my hand with his thumb. I opened my eyes and looked into his, so blue, so loving, so true…

"I'm fine. I love you."

He looked at me questioningly. "And I love you." He was about to say something else, but Wakka asked him a direct question and he turned his head to answer to his friend.

"We're so happy for you, Shuyin." Lulu said calmly, when we were already saying goodbye. "This is an excellent opportunity and I'm sure you'll be very successful. As for you, Tidus, I'm sorry you're going to leave again, but I hope this time it won't be for long." She hugged both brothers, giving each of them a kiss on the cheek. Then she turned to me. "I would like you to stay a bit longer, Yuna. I'd like to talk to you."

I frowned, but I nodded. "Of course, Lulu. I'll stay."

"Good, I'll wait for you inside." With that said, she and Wakka, who had said his farewells as well, moved back inside the house.

"Well, guys, I have to talk to Lulu, but…" I trailed off, looking from Tidus to Shuyin and back to Tidus.

"It's okay, Yunie." Tidus took a step in my direction, putting his arms around my waist. "Shuyin and I need to go… do something… on our own too. But I promise as soon as I finish it I'll be back for you."

I looked up into his eyes. "I want to be with you 'til the end, Tidus. But I also think that visiting your father's grave is something you must do on your own."

"How did you—?" He shook his head, with a smirk. "You know me too well…"

"I do. Now go." I said, kissing him one last time before entering the house again and closing the door behind me. Lulu was right there, waiting for me. "Lulu, you gave me a fright!"

"I'm sorry, dear." She said, warmly. "And I'm sorry I've asked you to stay, but I needed to know what you're going to do."

"What I'm going to do? What do you mean?"

"Well, Tidus is going back to Zanarkand and this time there's nothing to stop you from going with him." She explained, as we went back to the living room and sat on the couches. "You're not a minor anymore and… well, you're free to do whatever you want to. That's why I'm asking you what you're going to do."

I took a moment to respond, pondering her words. "I'm not going to do anything, Lulu. Tidus is going and I'm staying. He hasn't even mentioned if he would like me to go with him, so…"

"He hasn't, but I'm sure he will." Lulu replied. "I just want you to think about all the possibilities before making any decision. I know you, and I know Tidus. He's not sure how to ask you to go with him, but as the time urges, he will find a way. And you have to think it carefully before choosing, because any rushed decisions might either hurt him or others. That's why I want you to think it through."

I looked down at my hands and noticed the small Moogle approaching us and trying to climb the couch to go sit next to Lulu. She picked him up and sat him on her lap where he promptly fell asleep. He sure was a sweet thing. "You know, Vidina will be like that in no time." I told her.

"I know." She said, looking at the Moogle caringly. "But I have no rush; I'm enjoying every moment of being a mother. It's an indescribable feeling!"

"I'm sure it is. I think I'm going to like to have kids one day."

At that moment, Paine entered the living room. "Hey, Yuna. I'm glad you're here 'cause I have an invitation for you."

"Really? What is it?" I asked, curious, as Paine sat next to me.

"I have tickets for this concert that's taking place tonight and I was wondering if you'd want to come with me."

"Well, Paine, tonight… I don't think I can go. Tidus is leaving tonight." I explained.

"Oh." Paine responded. "I didn't know."

"Yeah, I've only found out today too, so… Anyways, I'm sorry I can't go with you."

"No problem, I understand." She stayed quiet for a moment and then asked suddenly, looking me in the eye. "Are you going with him?"

"What! No! I mean… Have you two talked about this?" I questioned, wondering if they had previously decided to ask me the same exact question.

Lulu shook her head. "No, we haven't. But as you can see, I'm not the only one who knows you well. We're just wondering, Yuna."

"I'm not going with Tidus." I said firmly. "I love him and I wish I could be with him… forever. But I'm not going. College isn't over yet, I can't drop out just like that. And… I can't go to Zanarkand, I just can't."

"Okay." Paine simply said. But I wasn't finished.

"I can't go 'cause I'm afraid of what I might find in Zanarkand. Tidus has a past in Zanarkand, a past that I know nothing about. And if I… well, if I was there I would want to know everything and I would end up with more knowledge than I could bear… I know it, I just know it. So I rather stay here and pretend it never happened."

"You and Tidus?" Paine raised one eyebrow.

I shook my head. "No. Tidus and Zanarkand."

-----XX-----

I looked at my watch. It was almost time for Tidus and Shuyin to leave. We were already in the airport — despite everything, I wanted to be with him until the moment he entered the ship. He had his arm around my waist, holding me close to him, so close I could feel his chest rising and falling with each breath. He didn't want to let me go. I didn't want to let him go either, but I had made my choice — I had decided to stay. Lulu was right, he had asked me to go with him. I had declined his offer, telling him I couldn't leave everything behind just like that.

"It doesn't have to be tonight" He had said, our breaths mingling. "It can be anytime you want. I just can't stand being away from you again, not being able to touch you, to feel you, to love you…"

"I know it's hard, Tidus. It's hard for me too. I love you so much." I had replied, running my hand through his hair. "But I can't go, you know it. I have to stay and finish school and watch over Rikku and make sure she's alright. Oh Yevon, I'll miss you so much."

It had been a hard conversation, because neither of us wanted to have it. We didn't want to part ways again.

"Promise me." I whispered. "Promise me this time things will be different."

"I thought you didn't want any promises." He joked.

"I changed my mind."

He turned serious again. "I promise. I promise you I'll do everything I can to make you happy and I promise you you'll always be my one and only. Come what may."

I looked at him adoringly. How could I resist the urge of going with him? How could I deny that being apart from him would kill me again? I simply couldn't. "You know what, baby, when summer comes and I'm on vacation, I'll visit you, okay? I promise you this."

He smiled. "When summer comes I'll be in Luca for the Tournament. But you can go watch one of my games. I would love that."

"Okay, then. I'll go watch every game."

And now here we were, waiting for the ship to get ready to take them. Tidus didn't want me to go with them to the airport — it was dark, I would be alone on my way back home, there would be dangers… I had told him he was silly and I would be okay, as long as I could be with him one more minute. That minute was coming to an end.

"Everything's ready to go." Shuyin said, approaching us. Then he looked at me directly and extended his arms in my direction. "Come here, lil' sis."

I took a step forward and fell into his awaiting arms, holding his tightly against me. "I wish you the best luck in the world, Shu. You deserve it so much. I'm sure you'll be very happy."

"Thank you, Yuna. You'll be very happy too, you'll see. Tidus is the best you could have and… I'll take care of him in Zanarkand, don't worry." He added.

"I know you will. You always have."

Shuyin nodded and moved away to give us some privacy. I looked at Tidus, who was already gazing at me. If I thought that saying goodbye to Shuyin had been too hard, then saying goodbye to Tidus was completely impossible. He raised his hand and caressed my cheek, his eyes so deep, so sad… "Are you sure you don't wanna come? There's still time to call your uncle."

"I wish I could… This is killing me. But I can't."

"You can't or you won't?"

I allowed one tear to slide down my face. "Both."

He nodded and pulled me to him, embracing me like there was no tomorrow — the fact was that there was no tomorrow. "You'll be on my mind, always."

"Same here. I'll be impatiently waiting for summer to come." I responded, reminding him and myself that this wasn't a permanent separation.

"Me too." He kissed me softly on the lips and I had the strangest feeling of dejá vu, like I was reliving that fatidic day from almost three years ago, when he had left for Zanarkand, leaving my life upside down. He parted from me but I kept holding him, feeling that if I would let go he would never come back. He kissed me again. "I have to go."

"And I have to stay."

"I promise I'll see you sooner than you expect."

"Don't make me promises you can't keep."

"I promise I'll keep this one."

I smiled. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, silly." One last kiss. Then he took a step back and said softly. "Go, Yunie. I don't want you to have to watch me leave again. Go, please."

I nodded and climbed into my car, turning on the engine and driving away as fast as I could, as the tears fell down my face. I didn't look back, but soon enough I heard the engines of the ship right above me and I looked up, watching as the ship flew through the night sky.

-----XX-----

I lied down and closed my eyes. It had been a very long day. My mind raced through the day's events and finally settled on one single thought: Tidus. He was probably flying over Luca by now, which meant he had already discovered the small box I had put in his pocket before he left. I could imagine him at that very moment, opening it and softly holding my necklace in his hands, staring at it with his sweet cerulean eyes… That necklace had been so important throughout my whole life that I couldn't help feeling a little awkward without it, like I was less protected. But I did not regret for one single moment my decision of giving it to Tidus; it just felt like the right thing to do, to let him have a memory of me, by giving him something that meant so much to me. It was my most precious possession and that was precisely what I wanted Tidus to have… He would understand the meaning of the necklace…

Along with the necklace, I had sent him a small note:

I know you don't need anything to remember me, but just in case…

I just wanted you to have part of me with you.

Forever yours, come what may,

Yuna.

Oh Yevon, I would miss him so much! Yet this was how things were supposed to be. I knew I had made the right decision.

Feeling a sudden inspiration to write something, I grabbed the notebook which was always on my nightstand. It slipped from my hand and fell to the floor, opening itself. I picked it up and looked at the poem in the open page before me. It was a poem I had written so long ago, when my heart was black with sadness and sorrow.

Sometimes I break down but you're never there,

You want me to love you even when you don't care

You always promised things that you can't keep

You always said come what may, but

Now I realize that come what may is just what happens.

Did you ever care? Did you ever love me?

Those questions linger in my head,

My heart does not break because it's already broken.

You just wanted your dreams to come true,

But you always said that I was all you wanted.

But now I see that you can't have everything,

And you chose your dreams over me.

I used to believe that this world was built for you and me,

But now I see that love is just another leaf in this pond.

I will never fall for you,

I will never cry in front of you.

I will keep my fighting face on so you will never see

That heartbreak.

I put the notebook down; I wasn't inspired anymore. That poem had somehow depressed me and yet there was a part of me that was kind of happy because I knew things had turned out so differently from what I thought they would be back when I had written that. I had been so wrong. But now I knew that things would be alright.

I will be alright, Tidus. I thought, looking to the night sky. I promise I'll be alright. Come what may.

A/N: Yep, Tidus left for Zanarkand and Yuna stayed behind. I'm kind of sorry for them, but maybe things will be better in the epilogue :-P Tell me what you thought of this chapter, guys, I'll be waiting. See ya. Alexx.

PS: The poem in this chapter is called Heartbreak and was written by Cherry-Blossom-Theif-Slamlam-17. It's also in this site as an independent poem so check it out. As for me, I just want to say, thank you, Slamlam :)