goodnight sun

In the old world, it used to be that Jecht always rose before dawn.

Though Zanarkand was a city that never slept, the time right before dawn was one of the few moments where the city was calm, building lights glowing dim as if signaling the incoming sun that would soon break over the horizon.

It was in these moments that Jecht found himself at sea, parting the waves with tired strokes, muscles sore from non-stop movement. Some days, salt filled his mouth, the ocean bitter and cold as it wrapped around him, trying to pull him under.

But with the force that rivaled a thousand burning suns, Jecht fought against exhaustion, against fatigue, and the temptations that defeat could bring.

He was The Great Jecht, and he would let no wave drown him.

Jecht made sure to return before the first morning rays lit the sky, the city lights guiding his path home. On most days, the house was quiet, only the faint sounds of breathing greeting him. On other days—

Tidus stood at the door, sleep still clinging to him as the boy rubbed his tired eyes. "Dad, were you…" he yawned, still only half-awake. "Training?"

Unable to be honest, Jecht snorted, shrugging off the question as he made his way toward the kitchen. "Some are born natural stars, kid." He rolled his shoulder, trying to ease the remaining tension that still hung on. Tidus was the last person he wanted to show any weaknesses to.

Tidus shuffled after him, his head hanging low as he sat down at the table. "Oh."

Jecht scratched the back of his head, not wanting to leave the conversation on a sour note, especially not so early in the morning. "...What're you up at this hour for anyway? Don't you got school tomorrow?" He grabbed a glass, filling it with water. "Uh… how's that going, by the way? The school stuff?"

He could have kicked himself. Such a natural conversationalist, no wonder the kid loves talking to you, Jecht thought, downing the water in one go to help his nerves. He was about to make another attempt, one that he hoped would be less fumbled, but then he heard a small snore. Blinking, Jecht turned to see Tidus fast asleep, face pressed against the kitchen table. 

Jecht felt his face soften, placing the glass on the counter quietly.

Oh, it was still early, wasn't it?

Carefully, he gathered Tidus in his arms, raising a brow when he saw the puddle of drool left behind. Jecht couldn't help but roll his eyes as he fixed Tidus into a more comfortable position, making his way toward the boy's room. If Tidus had been that tired, he should have just stayed asleep! 

Even if he was happy that Tidus had been the first to greet him at the door.

He laid Tidus down in his bed, lifting the cover and tucking him in slowly, not wanting to wake the boy. Finally, after a minute of tucking and rearranging the blankets, Jecht nodded to himself, satisfied. He moved to stand, but before he could leave, a small hand tugged at him.

"Dad…" Tidus said in his sleep, face scowling, "Don't leave…." He sniffed quietly, "Please…."

Jecht kneeled and placed a hand on Tidus' head, stroking his hair soothingly. "Your old man isn't going anywhere. Don't worry."

The sniffling stopped, and peace returned to Tidus' expression, his hands clinging onto Jecht's wrist, leaning into the warmth. 

Jecht sighed, a small smile pulling on at the corner of his lips. He looked out the window, the sun still hidden. He reasoned he could stay here for a while more, stroking Tidus' hair softly. "Don't worry. Dad's here."

In the new world, Jecht never knew when day began and night ended.

The cycles they found themselves in were never-ending, a constant loop of battle and defeat, clashes and victories, sometimes even a stalemate before things started from the beginning once more.

He wasn't sure when—or if—it would ever end, just knew that in this world, he was a warrior of light—

Tidus watched him like a hawk at the side of the bed, and Jecht snorted.

—in addition to also being the subject of Tidus' intense care.

"I'm just gonna nap, brat."

Tidus huffed, his arms crossed. "That's what you said last time, and you still ran off!"

Jecht turned on his side, the bed creaking lightly, and waved a hand. "I was helping clear out some enemies. Surely your old man can still help in battle, right? Or you trying to off me already?"

"I'm not!" Tidus looked away, "It's just not safe to be by yourself. You'll make everyone worried, you know?"

Jecht arched a brow, a grin spreading on his face. "Oh? You confessing to missing daddy—"

Tidus' face burned a deep red, "S-Shut up!"

He laughed. "Always easy to pick on, kid." He rolled onto his back and crossed his arms behind his head. "Why don't you go play? You're young, right?" Jecht yawned and closed his eyes. "This old man needs some sleep."

Tidus was quiet for a minute. Then, "...promise you'll still be here?"

"Have I ever lied to you, boy?"

He could practically hear the eye-roll Tidus gave. But soon, there was the rustling of clothes as Tidus got up. The footsteps moved away, paused, and then exited the room.

Jecht moved closer to the wall and waited.

Not but twenty minutes had passed when Jecht heard the door open again, footsteps coming closer, the mattress dipping with the additional weight that crawled into bed. Arms wrapped around him, a head laid on his chest, legs entangling with his.

Jecht hummed, opening one eye. "You tryin' to hug or choke me, kid?"

Tidus yawned, adjusting himself some more. Jecht lowered his arms and held Tidus close, the boy sighing peacefully. "Haven't decided yet."

"Nothin' happening on deck?"

"A few are out on patrols," Tidus said, listening to Jecht's heartbeat, "Relm and Eiko wanted to play tag…" his voice began to trail off, drowsiness seeping in, "Told them… I'd play later…." Jecht felt Tidus relax against him, "Ceodore said… said we could join his patrol later…."

"That right?" Jecht couldn't help but snort when he heard Tidus snore softly in response, already fast asleep. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the boy's crown. Against his chest, he could feel Tidus' mouth pull into a smile.

He looked out the window, fields of clouds surrounding them, content and at ease—thankful that the new world let him share this view with his son. Jecht's eyes drifted closed, and he murmured gently, "Sleep well, my boy."