Eternal Love (Final Fantasy X/X-2)

Chapter 6: Circus Black

Yuna's pulse was pounding just as fiercely as her fist was on the door. Every second that passed felt more agonizing than the last. An invisible intruder was stalking the ex-summoner in her bathroom. The idea was ludicrous when she thought about it. But the fact remained it was happening. At least, it sure seemed like it.

The shuffling feet were directly behind her now.

"Teeduuus!"

Just when she thought she'd black-out, the door swung open, and pulled her along with it.

"Hey—whoa!" Tidus caught her by the shoulders and steadied her in his arms. "Are you, alright? What happened?"

"T-there's... There's something..." Casting a glance behind, she noticed the shower door remained open and cracked, but the shuffling had ceased. There was no explanation she could offer her fiancé that wouldn't sound crazy—and she knew it. Breathless, shaken, and emotional, Yuna buried her face into his chest, and broke-down into sobs.

Tidus' strong arms wrapped around her tiny frame and held her close. "Shhh...it's okay," he cooed. "I've got you."

Suddenly Yuna felt like that vulnerable seventeen-year-old girl she'd worked so hard to mature from these past few years. Irrational fear or not—she was terrified and she hated it. With a long sniffle, she drew back in his arms, and wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry..."

"Don't be. Just tell me what happened in there." Her fiancé moved the damp strands of hair out of her face and looked at her with concern. "I've never heard you scream like that. I thought something horrible happened to you."

"I... I was—I heard something chasing me. And then there's...the shower door..."

Tidus looked past her into the bathroom and frowned. "What the hell happened to it?"

"Whatever was after me did that!" Realizing how silly she sounded, Yuna shut her eyes, and thinned her lips in frustration. "Never mind. You won't believe me, anyway."

"There's nothing in there, Yuna. Hey..." His fingers brushed against her cheek in a loving gesture to acquire her attention. Opening her eyes, she followed his gaze, and turned her head to look behind. "See, nothing to be afraid of. Just more glass for me to replace tomorrow," he indicated with a nervous chuckle. "You must've really slammed it shut."

"I know what I saw!" she snapped, glowering at him. "And I know what I heard! I'm not crazy!"

"Uh..." Tidus seemed at a loss for words as a hint of panic washed over his face. "Wait, I—look, I didn't say you're crazy. How do you know you're not hallucinating? The doctor warned you about stuff like this."

"They were supposed to be mild episodes. Not vivid accounts of...whatever that was!"

"Well then, I guess he was way off on his prognosis. We can always go back ano—"

"No!" Yuna squirmed out of his embrace and huffed. "I'm not going back there! I just got home!"

"Okay, okay," he conceded, holding up his hands in surrender. "You need to calm down, alright? This isn't good for someone in your condition. Let's get those potions into you, so you can get some rest."

This was exactly what she didn't need right now—for Tidus' overprotective nature to kick-in to the point of him almost sounding demanding. It was only irritating her further. "I can take care of myself! I'm not a child!"

"I know, but you're carrying one—ours!" His hardened expression eased and his arms went limp at his sides. "Dammit Yuna, I don't wanna fight! I'm worried about you. Let me help, please?"