Our Little Secret (Final Fantasy X/X-2)

Our Little Secret

The wind howled, sending dark, billowing clouds over what had been a clear, night sky at Lake Macalania. With the temperature dipping just below the freezing mark, many adventurers in the area took refuge at Rin's Travel Agency, gobbling up vacancies at an alarming rate. Thankfully, Tidus, along with Yuna and the rest of her guardians were able to snag just enough rooms before they'd all filled up. And it was a good thing they had, since Cid wouldn't be returning with the airship until late-morning.

While his comrades had retired rather early for the evening, Tidus was quite restless and unable sleep, knowing what tomorrow would bring. This was his last night on Spira; his last night alive. The wind howled once more, to the point of whistling. Tidus shivered as a brisk draft came from the tiny cracks around the window in his room, almost grateful for the minor distraction.

Hugging his arms from the uncomfortable chill, he hurried off the modest, queen-size bed he'd been resting on, and made his way over to the unlit fireplace on the opposite side of the room. The oil-lamp on one of the wooden nightstands cast a dim glow on the ornate walls and provided just enough light for him to see the matches provided on top of the mantle. With a flick of his wrist, he ignited a match off the stone ledge and crouched in front, lighting the tinder under the wood. After a few moments the tiny flames roared to life.

Sighing in relief, he took a seat on the coeurl-skin carpet, and leaned back on his hands. The warmth of the fire made him more at ease, but only for the moment. As he sat, stretched-out, watching the dancing flames and listening to the embers crackle; his mind became plagued with morbid thoughts. Once they defeated Sin and Yu Yevon, he would cease to exist.

Seemed like only yesterday when his main concerns were how many goals he'd score in a blitzball game and what girl he'd be smooching with after. All trivial, he now realized. And it's not that he was yearning for his old life back, but rather, wished he could start a new one in Spira—one with Yuna.

His lips curved into a thoughtful smile. Yuna...she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever laid eyes upon—not to mention, sweet, caring, wise... Yeah, he had it bad. Tidus wasn't sure when he'd fallen in love with the gorgeous summoner, but he'd fallen hard. And it altered him in ways he'd never imagined. For one, he'd never been a jealous guy. Watching her marry Seymour had changed all that. He hadn't felt his stomach churn and his body pulse with such rage since his mother had died. But when that twisted guado's lips touch hers... Well, let's just say, thoughts of ripping out that bastards spleen had come to mind.

With his eyes squeezed shut and a shake of his head, he tried to rid himself of the unpleasant memory. Thankfully, thoughts of his kiss with Yuna, here at the spring, had replaced his previous reverie. It had been a bold move on his part, but he had no regrets. He knew from that night on, she had feelings for him as well. But, nevertheless, she was determined to finish her pilgrimage, regardless of what they'd shared. Yuna's resolve was admirable, which only seemed to strengthen his to save her life. What he hadn't bet on, however, was sacrificing himself in order to do so.

Had Yuna been some other girl, he probably would've done everything in his power to save his own hide—not hers. But love was a funny thing. And it made him unselfish when it came to his beautiful summoner. Her life meant more to him than his own.

Knowing he was on borrowed time, though, had been nothing short of disturbing. He was struggling to come to terms with the inevitable. But he had to for Yuna's sake. She'd probably be better off without him anyway. At least, that's what he was trying to convince himself.

A soft knock came at the door, startling him from his macabre thoughts. It was late. And from what he knew, everyone had turned-in early. Curious as to who'd be disturbing him during this time of night, he climbed to his feet, and hurried over to the door. When Tidus opened it, he was met with a sweet smile and those innocent mismatched eyes he loved so much.