I don't own these characters.

Eternity Has Come

Rikku brought her hand to her mouth as her eyes watered. She looked at Tidus in disbelief. Tidus gave her an encouraging grin. Rikku put her shaking hand down by her side.

"Are you going to come with me back to the village?" Rikku asked.

Tidus nodded.

"I haven't seen everyone in so long." Tidus said, giving a lighthearted laugh.

"They'll be excited to know you're back." Rikku said, smiling.

Tidus gave a nod.

"Rikku?"

"Yes?"

"Did you ever tell Yuna?"

Rikku fell silent, but soon spoke up.

"No... I wanted to, but every time you were mentioned I could never stop crying. I was going to tell her after the anniversary of the day you left… But then I was distracted after I saw you."

Tidus nodded in understanding.

"I think perhaps, it will be better if I told her." He said.

Rikku gave him a confused look.

"You know what they say about absence." Tidus said, managing a lopsided grin.

Rikku nodded.

"I understand." She said.

"So-" Tidus began to say, when Rikku suddenly jumped into his arms.

"Why did I have to fall in love with you? You never even told me you were a dream. Don't ever leave me again. I mean it." Rikku said, as she began to cry.

Tidus slowly wrapped his arms firmly around her and nestled his head in her hair.

"I'm sorry." He said, his voice filled with emotion.

Rikku looked up at him with a sad and angry frown.

"Jerk." Rikku said, giving him a slightly nudge before hugging him again.

Tidus leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss. They stayed that way for awhile, before parting. They both turned to look up at the sky over the ocean. The sky was bright now, and it was just about time that everyone would be waking up.

"Let's go." Tidus said.

Rikku nodded and they both began their walk back. They soon were back in the village. They walked slowly as Tidus looked around, taking in the scenery. People began to stop and stare as their hands flew to their mouths and gasps escaped.

Yuna had just come out of her house and was fixing her hair slightly.

"Look! It's that boy! Jeckt's son! He's back!" An old lady exclaimed.

Yuna looked at the lady then slowly turned her head to see what they were talking about. She froze as an uncontrollable gasp escaped her lips. Tidus and Rikku stopped for a moment as they looked at Yuna. Yuna just stared.

"Oh my goodness…" Yuna said in a low tone.

"Tidus!" Yuna yelled, immediately running to him and leaping into a hug. Tidus laughed and quickly spun her around before putting her down.

Yuna looked him up and down.

"Rikku was right. You are here!" Yuna exclaimed.

All of the commotion caused a slightly grumpy Wakka to come out of his house.

"Hey, do ya really gotta make all of that noise? My wife is trying to relax." Wakka said.

"Wife? You got married?" Tidus asked, turning in Wakka's direction.

Wakka recognized the voice and began trying to see through the crowd that was now gathered around Tidus. There was enough space in the crowd for Wakka to see who it was.

"Tidus? Is it really you?" Wakka asked in disbelief.

Tidus chuckled as he rustled his hair.

"In the flesh." Tidus said.

"Well, don't just stand there! Come and give ya old buddy a proper greeting." Wakka said, cheerfully.

Tidus made his way through the crowd and went up to Wakka, who quickly grabbed him around the neck and gave him a noogy.

"Great to se ya!" Wakka shouted.

"Ah!" Tidus exclaimed.

Yuna and Rikku laughed.

"Wakka, what are you doing?" Lulu, said stepping out of the house. Wakka let Tidus go.

Tidus stood up straight and shook his head, then focused his attention on Lulu. Lulu took a step back in shock. Tidus gave a lopsided grin as Lulu placed her hands on her hips.

"So I see you are back." Lulu said, smiling.

"Yeah." Tidus said, giving a nervous chuckle.

"Well, aren't you going to greet me?" Lulu asked, raising an eyebrow.

Tidus nodded. He looked Lulu up and down; his eyes fixing on her stomach. His jaw dropped.

"You're pregnant!?" Tidus exclaimed in disbelief.

"It would appear so." Lulu replied, amused.

"With who?" Tidus asked.

Tidus then pointed to Wakka.

"You?"

Wakka nodded and laughed.

"You two got married!?" Tidus asked in shock.

Lulu nodded with an amused grin.

Tidus put his hand on his head.

"Wow, I have been gone a long time." Tudus said, clearly stunned.

Lulu chuckled and gave Tidus a quick hug and pat.

"It's good to see you too." Lulu said.

"Oh, sorry. It's great seeing you Lulu." Tidus said, smiling.

Yuna walked up beside Tidus and placed her hand on his arm.

"Is your stay… Permanent this time?" Yuna asked afraid of the answer.

Tidus nodded.

"This time, I'm here for good."

Yuna smiled. Rikku knew that Yuna was relieved, but she was also afraid that she and Yuna's relationship would be shattered once Tidus talked to her. She didn't know what Tidus would say and how he would say it, but for now she had decided that to let Yuna enjoy Tidus's return would be best.

"Kimahri will be thrilled to know that you are back." Yuna said.

Rikku then remembered.

"Paine! Tidus, you haven't met Paine." Rikku said, walking through the crowd and up to him. Tidus turned and looked at her.

"How about later you take me to meet her?" Tidus suggested.

"Sure, after we settle you into our house." Rikku replied.

Tidus nodded. After everyone was done examining Tidus and greeting him, he said good-bye to everyone and the girls soon led him to their house. They showed him the downstairs then took him upstairs and showed him around before they took him to the extra room they had next to Rikku's. Yuna opened the door.

"This will be where you sleep. Rikku's room is right next door and my room is across the hall and down a little. This home is yours now, so go anywhere you like." Yuna said.

"Thanks Yuna. It's really good to be back." Tidus said.

Yuna nodded with a smile. She then stepped closer to him and gave him a tight hug.

"We all really missed you… I missed you. I'm really glad that you're back." Yuna said.

Tidus hugged her back then parted.

"To be honest I wasn't really sure if I would be able to come back. But I'm glad that I am." Tidus said smiling.

Yuna nodded in agreement.

"I'm going to start lunch soon. We've been outside for hours. Rikku can take you down to meet Paine while I get everything ready." Yuna said.

Rikku turned to face Tidus.

"Ready?" Rikku asked.

"Of course." Tidus answered.

The two then left the house and began their walk to the airship. Tidus moved closer to her as they slowly walked. Rikku noticed and smiled to herself. She was about to hold his hand, but felt timid and decided not to.

((What's wrong with me? Why am I so nervous?)) Rikku wondered.

Tidus chuckled and shook his head.

"You don't have to be so shy around me. I think we're a bit past that." Tidus said. He then took her hand in his and gave it a slight squeeze.

Rikku chuckled.

"I know, I just don't know what's wrong with me. My mind is torn on what I want to do. On one hand, I want to hold you close and not let go, but on the other, I want everyone to enjoy your return. Everyone missed you, so I'm trying to contain myself until everything is little more… Private." She explained.

"I understand all of that. I missed everyone too and would like to catch up and get to see them again. But, the woman I love is the one I want to have alone time with." He said.

Rikku felt butterflies in her stomach.

"I can't even describe the feeling I get when I hear you say that. It's been so long sense I've heard your voice. Now, just your voice alone is enough to send joy through my veins." She said.

Tidus stopped them both. He turned her towards him and placed his hands on her shoulders. He leaned down and give her a passionate kiss as he placed one arm on her back to pull her closer and wrapped the other one around her, holding her firmly to him. Rikku wrapped her arms around his middle and kissed him back. Rikku was in complete and total bliss as they stood there. She had missed his touch sense the day he left and now she could enjoy it once again. Thoughts of them getting caught or someone spotting them would have crossed her mind, but this time she didn't care. All she cared about in this moment was taking in all the years of an awaited kiss. When Tidus broke the kiss, he kept her in the embrace and continued to hug her. Rikku breathed in his scent, sighing in satisfaction as she did. Once they parted they continued to walk.

They soon got to the airship and entered.

"Hello? Paine are you in here?" Rikku asked, as she peeked her head around corners as they made their way to the main bridge.

Once they were on the main bridge they saw Paine. Paine turned around and slowly walked towards them.

"What are you doing here?" Paine asked.

"I have someone I'd like you to meet." Rikku said, smiling in excitement. Piane crossed her arms.

"And that would be?" Paine asked.

Rikku took a step to the side so Tidus would be more noticeable. Paine focused her attention on Tidus and looked him up and down.

"Paine, this is Tidus. He's the one everyone always talked about." Rikku introduced.

"Um, nice to meet you." Tidus said, reaching out his hand.

Paine shook it once in a firm embrace.

"I've been told a lot about you. You seem to be everyone's favorite." Piane said. Tidus chuckled.

"I don't know why." Tidus joked, laughing.

"Neither do I." Rikku said, giggling.

"So, is this just a visit or will you be around?" Paine asked.

"I'll be around." Tidus answered.

Paine nodded.

"You know, Rikku seemed awfully lonely while you were gone. Did you two have a thing going on?" Paine bluntly asked.

"Paine!" Rikku exclaimed.

"What? I would just like to know the full story. Everyone seems so secretive about their relationship to Tidus. All I know is that he was Yuna's guardian and a good friend to everyone apparently. But strangely enough, you seem to miss him the most." Paine pointed out.

"All the people of Spira tell the same story." Rikku answered.

Paine rolled her eyes.

"Yuna and her guardian had a great love that was enough to keep her strong and aid in the defeat of Sin. Yeah, I've heard it before. I don't honestly believe that story." Paine scoffed.

Tidus laughed nervously.

"And why?" Tidus asked.

"We've all heard stories about legendary lovers. Fate always seems to attract them together one way or another. And in these stories their behavior is all the same. But in this tale, why do the two guardians choose to spend the most time together? The long awaited return and the famous couple isn't here rejoicing? No. I think the story is still being written; and the real story is the one I'd like to know about." Paine responded.

"Nice analogy." Tidus said smiling.

Paine gave one acknowledging nod.

"So, do you think you can tell me the truth? Don't worry, I won't burst anyone's bubble." Paine said, looking at Rikku.

Rikku looked at the floor then at Tidus.

"We should go." Rikku said, before turning to Paine.

"We're having a big dinner at Lulu and Wakka's to celebrate Tidus' return. Make sure you're there."

Paine nodded and turned to walk away. Tidus and Rikku began to walk away before Paine spoke up.

"I understand, Rikku." Paine said

Rikku paused for a second before continuing on.

\\\\\\\\\\

After Tidus and Rikku finished their lunch, Rikku had gone up to her room and Tidus had followed her without Yuna seeing him. The two talked for while, then fell silent and began to read various magazines, just enjoying each other's company. Rikku, who was sitting on the edge of her bed, kept looking at Tidus as he read a magazine. She was worried about how he would break the news to Yuna. It was so soon after his return, she didn't want to hurt Yuna anymore than she would be.

"What's wrong?" Tidus asked, having noticing her staring out of the corner of his eye.

"I'm worried about you breaking the news to Yuna." Rikku replied.

"There's no need to be worried." He assured.

"But she's my cousin and my dearest friend. Finding out that we're in love will make her feel betrayed." She responded.

"I understand. The truth does hurt, but if it makes you feel more comfortable, I will only tell her of my position on things. Once that news settles in, I'll let her know of us." He replied.

"Thank you. I know she needs to know, I just… Don't want to hurt her. I mean… I know she will be hurt, but I don't want to completely crush her all at once. I think breaking it up will help her deal with it."

Tidus placed his hands on her shoulders as he looked lovingly into her eyes. Rikku stared back, giving him a gentle smile. Tidus leaned over on the bed and kissed her.

Rikku placed her hands on his arms as she gently kissed back. He took her in his arms and kissed her with more passion. She reciprocated. Tidus began to slightly squeeze her and Rikku grabbed the collar of his shirt and began to slightly pull on it as she leaned forward as if she wasn't close enough. She released one hand form his collar and draped it over his shoulder and place her hand on his back. Tidus traced her back with his hand and place it on her hip. Rikku pulled him on top of her, placing her hand on his hand and slowly led his hand to her thigh as she lifted her leg and secured it around his hip. Tidus gave a quick and quiet moan, and broke the kiss.

Tidus looked into her eyes with a look that held nothing but love. It had felt like an eternity sense he had last been able to be with Rikku. Right now, he would like nothing more than to continue where this kiss was going, but now wasn't the right moment even though it was apparent Rikku would want to. He gave her a gentle kiss on the nose and took his hand off of her thigh. Rikku put her leg down and they both separated.

"I'm going to downstairs. I'm sure Yuna is wondering where I went." Tidus said, standing up to leave.

Rikku quickly got up and wrapped her arms around his mid-section.

"I love you." They both said at the same time.

Rikku smiled but remained quiet as she laid her head on his back. She stayed there for a moment before letting go. Tidus turned and gave her one last loving kiss before proceeding to go downstairs. Rikku stood there for a moment before leaving the room herself. She went downstairs and poked her head into the living room and saw Tidus and Yuna sitting on the couch. She started to go in the room when she heard Yuna speak. She then quickly turned back around the corner and quietly leaned against the wall as she turned her head so she could listen.

"This house is nice isn't it?" Yuna said.

"Yeah, I love it. Besaid has always seemed like a nice and peaceful place sense the first time I came here." Tidus replied.

"So you want to live here, right?" Yuna asked.

"I think it's a nice change from living in a city." Tidus replied.

Yuna chuckled.

"It is a nice place to live. I'm glad I grew up here." She said.

"How long have you and Rikku been living here?" He asked.

"Rikku doesn't live here full time. She's been helping to rebuild Home for the past two years. She's just on one of her visits." She answered.

"Oh, and she and Paine live together in the airship, right?"

Yuna nodded.

"What will you do, Tidus?"

"I'm not sure. I guess it depends on what happens in the future. Why?"

Yuna hesitated but then continued.

"Well… I'll be here." She said.

"I know."

"And… I was hoping you'd come and live with me."

Tidus looked at Yuna in shock.

"What?"

"I want you to live here so we can get to know each other again. Will you come live with me?"

Tidus didn't know what to say. He was truly shocked.

As Rikku listened, her heart began to race hearing Yuna ask Tidus to live with her. This was not making anything any easier and Rikku wondered how Tidus would handle it. Now Rikku just waited to hear his reply.