Hello, me again. I'm sorry I'm no good at keeping my promises when it comes to fanfiction, but as I have stated at the beginning of my Tarzan fic, I had been busy.

But it sure is good to be back, even if it is 1:10 in the morning!!!!

Chapter 16

Rolling onto her side, still half-asleep all Yuna could think about was her encounter with a certain blonde haired teen the night before. Only the thought of this made her smile while she dreamt of him. Damp from the sea, holding her close to his body, touching her face so tenderly as if scared to hurt her...it was still all too much to take in.

As a shining beam of sunlight shone through a high window and fell across the brunette's face she forced her eyes open to stare at the ceiling. Wiping sleep from her eyes, Yuna reached over to her bag and pulled out the small, silver watch Tidus had given her so many months ago. Seeing in disbelief that it was already 11am she leapt out of bed and rapidly got changed.

Emerging from her room a few minutes later she sprinted out of the empty airship and down the steep hill leading to Besaid village.

"God, why did I have to oversleep again?" Yuna asked herself despairingly as she slowed to a halt in front of her front door. Before she entered she paused to steady herself and took a deep breath, then she let herself in.

Upon entering she saw Rikku, Paine, Cid, Tidus and Braska standing in the crowded hall talking quietly amongst themselves. Mumbling an apology Yuna watched as her friends and family turned to face her, amused looks on their faces. Tidus' expression in particular only brightened at the sight of her.

Mouthing a silent 'hello' to both Rikku and Paine Yuna stepped over to Tidus and stood beside him, his skin catching against hers, making her tremble slightly. Looking down at Yuna he smiled at her warmly, trying to suppress the need to sweep her up in his arms as he had done last night and never let go. He could see the same emotion lingering in Yuna's magical eyes as she stared up at him fondly, trying to hide the smile threatening to break out.

Neither Yuna nor Tidus noticed the quizzical and mischievous looks passed between the other girls as they watched the scene before them with interest.

Lowering her eyes slowly and reluctantly Yuna's focus rested on Braska who was nervously staring at the door leading to his wife. Taking a last glance at Tidus she headed over to her father and rubbed his arm reassuringly as he whispered to her, "the doctor is just checking on her now. I hope she's okay..." As she took a closer look at the man Yuna noticed the anticipation and terror of what was to come filling his normally cheerful eyes.

At that moment the bedroom door opened and the doctor, middle-aged and carrying a small equipment bag came up to Braska. It looked like the anticipation was going to kill Yuna's poor father as he awaited the doctor's diagnosis. Cid was no better.

"She is still quite ill," he began in a gravelly voice, "but with the right medication and a lot of rest she should be fine by the end of the week"

Braska and Cid felt so relieved they hugged eachother, Yuna released a breath she never knew she'd been holding, Rikku began leaping up and down on the spot and Paine just smiled at Yuna gladly. Tidus looked happy at the news too and was glad to see Yuna looking a lot happier than she had been as came up to him and gave him a tight hug. Holding her close Tidus stroked her hair out of necessity. It felt like days since he'd held her like this though it had been at least 11 hours ago

Unwillingly Yuna pulled away to look up into his cerulean orbs. Ignoring the tears in her eyes she smiled happily at the blonde before turning to ask the doctor whether they could see her. When he nodded in consent Yuna took Tidus' hand, smiling, "come on. I want you to meet her", as she led him in after her and the others.

Groggily, Yuna's mother opened her eyes to see many happy, smiling faces staring down at her. Braska and Cid said their greetings and gave her hugs before letting Rikku have her chance.

"I hope you get better soon - we've been sooooooooooooo worried about you!" Rikku smiled as she bounced on the balls of her feet.

Looking over to her friend beside her, Paine added, "Yuna the most".

"...Yuna?" she asked fighting off sleep.

"Here Mum," Yuna said, kneeling beside her mother, "how are you feeling?" she asked gently.

"Tired...Yuna...I can't believe you came..."

"Don't be silly, of course I would have come. There is nothing that would have stopped me from seeing you," Yuna smiled reassuringly at her, glad to see her mother smile in return. Then, suddenly remembering the other people in the room, Yuna looked round apologetically to her friends. "Mum, this is Paine and Tidus. I'm staying with them and Lenne in Zanarkand."

Watching Paine step up to the bed and wish her well Yuna then followed Tidus with her eyes as he also came up to the bed.

"Hey, nice to meet you".

"Oh, he's a cute one Yuna", she smiled at her blushing daughter.

"Mum!" Yuna smiled back, amazed at her mother's first impressions of Tidus who was grinning at her despite himself.

"I...uh...hope you get better soon", he replied trying not to laugh at Yuna's expression.

"Hmm, polite too", Yuna's mother continued.

"MUM!" Yuna laughed.

"Thankyou Tidus. It was nice to meet you, and you too Paine".

"Okay," Braska smiled as he cut in, "let's give her some time alone so she can rest," he spoke as he opened the door.

The visitors filed out one by one with Yuna and Braska till in the room, who both kissed the groggy woman on the forehead before leaving too.

Yuna closed the door behind her quietly then headed over to where Rikku, Paine and Tidus stood. Saying goodbye to her father and uncle the group strolled out of the house.

"I'm so relieved she's okay", the brunette said as they walked aimlessly into the centre of the village, "and I'm sorry about what my mother said. It must have been the drugs talking."

"Don't worry about it", Tidus smirked.

"At least we know she likes you", Paine quipped, causing the other three teens to laugh loudly.

Once they'd calmed down Yuna asked, "I am so hungry, do you guys want anything to eat?"

"Wow Yunie, you read my mi - "looking up to Paine who had not very covertly cut her sentence with a sharp jab in the ribs as she suddenly remembered something important and began to decline. "Uh, wait...I, uh, have to help prepare the airship...yeah..."

"Your Dad said we could leave anytime so we should get everything ready, just in case. We'll see you later", Paine said, dragging Rikku away who was helpless to stop her.

The two teens left looked totally confused.

"What was that all about?" Tidus queried.

"No idea", Yuna replied, pausing to stare after the two girls in utter confusion.

Standing in the kitchen Yuna had her head stuck in one of the cupboards full of food, searching for something both herself and Tidus could eat. Braska and Cid had also headed off to the airship some time before to help Rikku, Paine and Brother with their preparations, which left Yuna's mother asleep in her room.

Asking Tidus what he felt like eating the blonde replied, "I'm not hungry". Just after his comment a loud grumbling noise emanated from his stomach. "Much", he added, smiling embarassedly at Yuna. "I'll have whatever you're having".

Shaking her head hopelessly at him she continued to search the cupboards.

Some time later Yuna and Tidus had made their way into the living room and were watching a blitzball match playing on the s.v between the Al Bhed Psyches and the Zanarkand Abes. So far it was 3 - 3 and they were in the final minute. Both teens were clutching the edges of their seats in anticipation as one player for the Abes approached the goal, and...scored! Seconds after this the last whistle blew --the Abes had won!

The moment it happened both teens began leaping and shouting in delight at their team's victory. Flinging her arms around Tidus' neck Yuna gave the blonde an excited hug. Feeling him relax under her as he felt her body clinging to his, Yuna suddenly felt giddy. Everything was going so well today; her mother was awake and well the Abes had won their match and she was back with Tidus again in his arms.

Breathing him in, Yuna felt herself pull back slightly to meet his beautiful cerulean eyes to see all the raw emotion shining in them reflecting exactly how she felt now. Without a second thought Yuna placed a gentle kiss on his smiling mouth. Feeling his arms tighten around the small of her back protectively Yuna began to tremble with happiness as she felt the familiar press of his lips on hers gently bringing new meaning to her existence. Circling her arms around his neck she held onto him as if for dear life. How could she not have wanted this before now? How had she survived the morning without him? How -

"Eh, excuse me?"

Seeing the two friends pull away quickly from eachothers embrace their surprised faces turned to see Rikku and Paine standing in the doorway, staring in surprise at Yuna and Tidus.

"Ah...hey guys...what's up?" Yuna asked sheepishly as a huge lush crept across her face. Tidus was no better.

"My question exactly!" Rikku laughed as the two of them looked around for any escape they could see to get them out of this awkward situation.

"We just came to tell you that we'll be leaving whenever you two are ready," Paine smirked, sparing a glance at the sniggering Rikku.

Smiling widely Rikku apologised for interrupting before leading the way out of the house followed by Paine.

Standing silently, Tidus muttered into Yuna's ear, "I will never understand what goes through their heads!" Shaking her own head in agreement Yuna smiled up at the blonde.

"Shall we?" she asked, offering her hand to him.

Looking at her amusedly, Tidus took it in his own and together the two of them left the house, hand in hand.

"You sure you'll be okay? I mean, I could stay a few more days to make sure you're fully recovered if you want?" Yuna asked her mother hopefully as they hugged one another.

Pulling back to look her daughter in the eyes Yuna's kindness could be seen shining brightly there. With a shake of her head she replied, "I'll be fine. Besides, you're supposed to be at school again soon aren't you?" Looking at all four of the youths lined up in front of her they knew that they had to leave.

Pulling Rikku into a tight hug she said goodbye to her niece and whispered something in Al Bhed into her ear, just audibly enough for the blonde to hear. Releasing her happily she moved nest to Paine and shook her hand.

"I hope you're feeling better soon", the girl spoke politely.

"Thankyou Paine. I hope to see you again soon," she smiled before finally moving to Tidus. Staring up at the tall blonde she took his hand in her own and gently shook it.

"Please take care of my daughter while she is with you".

Looking over at Yuna with a knowing glance he knew there wasn't a chance he would ever stop protecting her.

"I'll make sure he does," Cid guffawed in his usual gruff tone as he stepped up to Tidus and roughly slapped him on the back, knocking the wind out of him.

Regaining his breath he smiled down at the smaller woman and promised her, "I will".

"Good".

Nodding to her Tidus watched as the woman moved to her father who gave her a bear hug. "Bye Dad".

"You get better soon y'hear. Or else," Cid smiled at her.

Finally releasing her she turned to face them all and thanked them all for coming once more.

"Well, now that that's done, let's get going", barked Cid, "everyone get on, were heading back to Zanarkand." Following her father's orders Rikku led Paine on board the ship, while Tidus lingered, waiting for Yuna to say her final goodbyes to her parents.

"I love you both, and I'm really sorry we had to leave so soon..." Yuna smiled.

Braska placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, reassuring her of her decision with a warm smile, "we'll miss you Yuna".

"Come back soon you hear?" Yuna's mother smiled before initiating a group hug.

The warmth and love emanating from her parents was more than enough to brighten her mood even more. Yuna kissed both on their cheeks before smiling again at them and heading towards Tidus who stood waiting for her. Waving her goodbye she took a final look at her parents before disappearing inside the airship.

Meeting the two girls on the bridge Yuna smiled at them both, "well that was an interesting trip".

"It sure was", Rikku smiled as she saw Tidus gaze down at Yuna lovingly and took her hand in his own, lacing their fingers together in an unbreakable bond.

End of Chapter 16

WOOOOHOOOO!!!!! Cool, I actually did it...after all this time...I've still got it! Wow...

Trying to update soon, but unsure how I should carry on. Nay thoughts or ideas would be MUCH appreciated...till then!