I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sorry that I haven't updated! I really, really, really wanted to but had trouble writing the first half of this chapter. Will do better next time...sorry!

Enjoy!

Chapter 14

After having finally been persuaded by Cid that it would be too late to visit Yuna's house once they reached Besaid Island the teens decided to go to sleep in the cabins they had used earlier. Tidus disappeared into his own room while the three girls went to theirs just opposite. Rikku was the first to fall asleep, her loud snoring echoing around the small room. Paine had to hide her head under the pillow provided for at least ten minutes before she also fell asleep silently. It took Yuna some time to drift off after Paine, her thoughts focusing mainly on her Mother and school. When her eyelids did begin to close and her breathing became soft and evenly paced she was met by an unusual dream.

There she was, standing in the middle of Besaid beach. It was nighttime but flaming torches cleverly positioned in the sand illuminated her surroundings. Just before her feet the cool waves lapped at the ground, making a strangely familiar sound that Yuna used to spend hours on end listening to as she grew up. But for some reason the sound wasn't comforting. Something was upsetting her, but she didn't know what.

Then, Yuna sensed something or someone behind her. Somehow they had found her in this cleverly secluded area, yet somehow Yuna had expected this from the dream. It was as if she knew this was going to happen.

Unable to draw her eyes away from the mesmerising ripples and waves of the gentle sea view in front of her Yuna heard a voice calling her name.

"Yuna"

She recognised the voice from somewhere but couldn't quite recall who it belonged to or when she had heard it. Turning her head slightly to the right she tried to look over her shoulder, but before her eyes could pin - point where the voice had come from Yuna's eyes flickered open to meet the early morning sun shining down on her through a small window above her head. Lifting her head groggily from her pillow she rolled onto her side to look at her watch. It was only 6 am, about the time her Dad would have woken up when she was back living at home.

Feeling a sudden wave of dread as she remembered the reason Paine, Rikku, Tidus and her had come all the way down to Besaid in the first place Yuna thought of her Mother and what she could do to help.

Just by being there like she asked would be enough, right?

Suddenly fully awake Yuna sidled out of bed and got changed quietly so as not to wake the other two girls. Once she was ready she slipped on her watch and headed silently out the door. Walking down the empty metallic halls, her footfalls echoing around her, Yuna's mind returned to her mysterious dream. Or was it just a dream? Things like this had happened before, more recently when she was in high - school with Rikku, Lenne and Shuyin. He was the cause of many of her sleepless nights, watching him come up to Lenne and sweep her off her feet as he did quite often when they were together, the images haunting her dreams until they came true a few days later and hurting Yuna deeply when they did so.

Maybe this event would happen, maybe she would meet someone on the beach when she was miserable, their voice drifting to her on that beautiful evening to erase her pain.

Shaking the insane thought out of her mind Yuna exited the airship. She had more important things to focus on than 'premonitions' or whatever they were.

Sprinting down the steep hill towards Besaid village nostalgia and old memories rose up inside of her. Even though it had been nearly a year since she'd last been here Yuna had sincerely missed her home, the people, the views and her parents.

Slowing to a stop in front of her home Yuna paused a moment to catch her breath and then knocked on the front door. When no - one came to meet her Yuna began to get worried, but seconds later she came face to face with Braska, her father. His eyes had bags under them suggesting that he had barely gotten any sleep in a long time, but he seemed awake and alert. Upon seeing his daughter's face after so long he gave Yuna a welcoming smile and watched as she took a step forward and embraced him tightly.

"Yuna, I'm glad you're here", he whispered into her shoulder.

"Hey Dad", Yuna replied breaking the hug and following her father into the house. Everything looked exactly as she left it, it was amazing. The same multicoloured rug adorned the floor by the entrance, the same smell of flowers lingered in the air, sweetening the atmosphere and reminding Yuna of memories long ago.

She was finally home.

"How are you? You look tired", Yuna smiled at her father who could do nothing but chuckle back at her. Both took seats in the living room nearby to Yuna's parents' room.

"I haven't been getting much sleep lately. I just can't seem to rest while your mother is in there and I am powerless to help her. It is very frustrating", Braska looked down at his hands at his last comment, seemingly annoyed with his inability to do anything but watch his wife suffer.

"Is she okay, I mean, is there a doctor coming soon?" Yuna asked worriedly.

Braska looked to his daughter sympathetically. He knew that Yuna was just as powerless as he was but she was still determined to help. "As you know the closest doctor is in Luca, but he is unable to get here until tomorrow morning. We'll just have to hope that your mother can fight long enough for him to heal her."

"She will. I know it", Yuna smiled at her father. She still had hope that her mother was strong enough to beat this.

A loud rapping at the door made both Yuna and Braska jump as they were broken from their father - daughter moment. Nodding to Yuna, Braska stood up and went to answer the door, leaving his daughter alone to think of how long her mother could have left.

"Yuna? Are you in there?" an anxious voice called from behind her father as he re - entered the room, smiling at Yuna. Following him was a worried looking Rikku who rushed to Yuna and squeezed her tightly in a friendly embrace. Cid and Paine came silently behind her and stood to one side as Tidus entered last, looking curiously at the scene unfolding in front of him.

"We didn't know where you'd gone! We'll, I suppose here would have been the most obvious place to go, but, y'know, we weren't sure, we - " Rikku babbled.

"She's been like this ever since we saw your bed was empty. He was no better", Paine muttered to Yuna, jabbing her thumb behind her to Tidus who's attention was focused on Yuna. From the look in his cerulean eyes it was obvious that Tidus had clearly been worried about her, though probably not as much as Rikku who was still jumping about behind Yuna. Smiling appreciatively at him Yuna felt everyone's gaze on her. Looking to her father who looked utterly confused, Yuna realised that she hadn't even introduced him.

"Er, Dad this is Paine and Tidus. Paine and Tidus, this is my dad, Braska".

"Nice to meet you two", Braska said shaking the teens' hands.

"Likewise", Paine said.

"You too, sir", Tidus smirked.

Turning to Yuna, Braska raised his eyebrows slightly, making Yuna's smile broaden.

"Alright. Would anyone like something to drink?" Braska smiled at the crowd.

"Hey, you guys want to get out of here, have a picnic or something? Get your minds off this whole situation?" Tidus asked hopefully to the three girls who now stood outside in the sun, watching the other villagers getting on with their lives. From nearby a gentle wind blew at the palm trees, making them sway slightly back and forth. The day was so beautiful and warm, Yuna was sad that she had been inside all day so far.

"That would be so cool! Yunie, are you gonna come?" Rikku asked excitedly.

Hoping Yuna would not desert her and leave her to go with the two blondes, Paine announced "I'll go if you're going".

"I don't know, I should really stay here...but you guys go without me. You were never even supposed to come with me, you guys have fun. I'll be fine", Yuna said although she was deeply disappointed that she couldn't go.

"Stop being stubborn! Come on Yunie, it'll be fun!" Rikku whined to her cousin.

"You really do need to get away for a while. Honestly, you should come. Braska and Cid will still be here when we come back in an hour or so...please Yuna?" Tidus pleaded, his eyes showing the longing for her to come with them.

Rikku joined in again, "Yeah Yunie, it'll be no fun without you! Please?"

Yuna turned round to look at the clear sky, considering her choices. Then raising her chin slightly in decision She turned to face them again. Nodding she replied, "okay, let's go!"

Rikku leaped into the air and began doing an odd jig as Paine mock wiped her brow with the back of her hand and began to drag Rikku toward Yuna's house. Tidus lingered a moment after grinning at her before he took Yuna's hand and gently pulled her happily towards her house.

Maybe this was a good idea after all.

"Here! Next to the big tree, theres a great view of the beach too! Come on! Rikku shouted with glee behind her to Yuna, Tidus and Paine walking slowly after her.

Shaking her head Paine turned to the two teens and muttered, "I'll go see what she's on about", before running ahead to catch up with the Al Bhed girl.

Although Yuna and Tidus weren't talking they both seemed to know what was on eachothers minds. Glancing at Yuna beside him he could tell that she was trying to look excited, but deep down he knew she was worried about her mother, and who wouldn't be? Even though he hadn't seen his mother in years Tidus would still be worried about her if he found out she was ill. And from what he'd heard Yuna's mother was a really nice woman. But what he also knew was that Yuna needed a break from worrying and that was what she was going to get. A fun, calming break so she could relax and escape from the terrifying reality surrounding her.

"Hey! Hurry up! I'm starving!" cried Rikku from the spot she and Paine had chosen and now stood at.

"Hold your chocobos!" was Tidus' reply to the impatient blonde and caused a small smile to creep across Yuna's face. Even if he only got that much happiness out of her it would be enough to make him feel like he had accomplished something.

Finally the couple arrived carrying the box and blankets the four of them were going to use for their first picnic together. With the help of all three girls Tidus was able to unfold the large cream blanket and lay them across the lush grass surrounding them for as far as he could see. As they sat a small breeze flew across the group, ruffling clothes, unsettling hair and making the trees and foliage flap gently. The day was perfect like most on this island. The sun beamed down on them but the trees protected them, shading them from the harmful rays. Tidus could hear the sound of crashing waves from the beach and the sound of the seagulls circling overhead, squawking for all they were worth. He could hear the grass around him rustling softly, stroking his exposed legs like ticklish fingers. But there was one thing that made the others all worth while.

Yuna.

When she was with him, everything seemed right. She would say something and all else would be drowned out so he could hear every nuance of her voice. When he looked into her eyes he wanted to lose himself in them. Whenever he was awake she seemed to drift into his thoughts, almost teasing him. When he was asleep she haunted his dreams with her touch.

She was in his very soul.

"Hey", a hand waved past his face, "you okay?" a soothing voice asked handing him a small baguette.

Tidus looked round to see Yuna smiling at him. He suddenly lost the ability to talk, so he nodded and smiled gratefully and taking the sandwich from her, unable to find his voice in time to thank her. But what he didn't expect was for their fingers to brush and their gazes to hold. He couldn't help but stare back, transfixed by her beauty when suddenly Yuna looked away. Blushing she whispered, "sorry", before continuing to unpack the contents of the box.

"Whoa! That was great", Rikku said stretching lazily against a tree. Yuna covered up a lazy yawn and when she noticed Tidus' eyes on her she looked to him. But he had already turned away to stare at the beach instead.

Sighing, Yuna's thoughts returned to her mother. She hoped she was okay without her there to help. But Yuna knew she had spent most of the trip with her parents than with her friends. She was lucky they had even come at all.

A slight murmuring from Paine to Rikku and a sharp jab in her side made Yuna's cousin leap to her feet in surprise. "Okay, well, Paine has just reminded me that we have that thing we both have to do...on the airship...away from here".

"We have to go" Paine stated matter of factly.

"Really? Already?" Rikku whined to the dark haired girl and absently rubbing her side where Paine had poked her. But when she was met by annoyed ruby red eyes she thought better of what she had just said and turned back to Yuna and Tidus quickly, "yes! We have to go...now. Sorry."

"Have fun".

Looking bewilderedly to Tidus, who seemed just as confused as she did, Yuna rose to see them off. Once they had walked a few metres away from Tidus who sat staring at the beach once more, Yuna looked questioningly to her friends, "what's going on? You two were the ones who wanted to come and you're leaving already?"

"Sorry, we have to go, Yuna. Believe me, it would be better if we weren't here anyway", Paine replied teasingly before she dragged Rikku away as the blonde waved goodbye to her cousin, helpless to Paine's superior strength and vice - like grip.

Even more confused by Paine's mysterious words Yuna returned to the blanket and sat down beside Tidus once more. Looking to her he asked, "what was that all about?"

"I don't know, Rikku must have been having another blonde moment".

"Hey!"

Yuna turned to see Tidus standing, staring down at her in mock surprise at her comment.

"Oh! Sorry!" Yuna apologised, clapping her hands over her mouth as she began to giggle.

"You will be!" he promised, then suddenly he jumped down on Yuna, shoving her over and beginning to tickle her sides viciously, knowing the exact places she was weakest in.

"NO! Stop, Please!" Yuna screamed, managing to roll out from under him and begin to run across the grass. Tidus eagerly pursued her, closing her into the woods. Winding her way through bushes and around trees Yuna's breath became ragged as her heart began to thump loudly in her chest. Hiding behind a large tree she paused to catch her breath and hoping that somehow Tidus would completely miss her.

Suddenly from her left, the blonde emerged, cackling evilly as Yuna screamed in surprise and took off in the opposite direction. Chasing her faster than before he couldn't stop when she did, trying to warn him of the steep hill they had just met. Colliding into her he sent both Yuna and himself rolling down the slope. Head over heels they tumbled, both crying in surprise.

They reached the bottom shortly after and slowed to a halt: Yuna lying on her front, face hidden by her outstretched arms while Tidus lay on his back with his arms spread wide like wings. After a second he opened his eyes to his dark green surroundings. Groaning, he sat up and scratched the back of his head noting a slight pain near his eye. As he gazed around he saw Yuna, lying very still, and his stomach lurched.

"Yuna? Are you okay?" he cried crawling on hands and knees to roll her over gently so he could see her face. Her eyes were closed but he noticed her eyebrows knit together.

"Maybe that wasn't such a good idea", Yuna muttered as she opened her eyes. Tidus was the most relieved he had ever been in his life when he heard her voice.

"I think you're right", Tidus joked, "are you alright? Are you hurt?"

"No...ah! Wait", she cried, sitting up and rolling up her sleeve of her shirt to look at her lower arm. There was a large gash there and blood could already be seen, ready to cry from the wound.

"Wow, anything else?" he sounded so concerned for her it surprised Yuna.

"No, that's it. Hey, what about you? Yuna looked up at him and saw a small cut above Tidus' right eyebrow. She felt gently around the wound, sending shivers through Tidus' entire body as her fingers caressed his skin.

"Maybe we should go back to the airship, clean ourselves up? We need to see to your arm, it looks bad", Tidus replied unable to stop himself from touching the skin around her arm that was undamaged by their fall. For a few precious seconds their gazes met and held before Yuna felt the blood begin to trickle down her arm.

"Yeah, but we have to see to you too, come on", Yuna replied as she struggled to stand with Tidus' help. Holding her close, Yuna tried to focus on something other than his arms around her so she could attempt to form a plan.

"Uh, it's this way", Yuna said pausing to look into his shining eyes and forgetting what she had been saying. Realising the blood dripping off her elbow she quickly recovered again, "yeah, um...shortcut back up to the top. This way", Yuna began leading the way to the top of the hill, reeling from his touch, Tidus not far behind her, silently craving to be near her again.

End of Chapter 14

Wow! I did it!!! That one was pretty soppy wasn't it? Oh well, soppy is good! Watch this space!