Twisted Around

"Goodbye."

Cloud murmured the words as he walked from the reactor. He sadly shook his head as he clambered down Mt. Nibel. He did not look back.

He smiled distantly, memories of his first journey across the long bridge appearing as he reached it.

"Cloud?"

He barely turned, jumping slightly in surprise.

"You followed me, Chaos?"

The demon sat gently behind him, the bridge swaying slightly.

"I..was worried."

Cloud turned around then.

"I had to visit them."

Chaos nodded. "I think I understand."

Cloud chuckled. "You think so?"

He nodded. "Yes."

Cloud smiled. "Well, at least someone does."

"No one seems to?"

Cloud shrugged slightly and continued walking.

"I tried once... I told Tifa about it... but she seemed to be laughing at me. She assured me she wasn't, but... I haven't told anyone since then."

Chaos said solemnly. "She shouldn't have laughed."

Cloud said. "You don't have to tell me that."

"Of course."

They walked in silence across and down the path.

When they were close to Nibelhiem, Cloud stopped and spoke.

"No one understood. When we were tracking him down, no one realized. They didn't see my reluctance, or how he always seemed to show us where he was going. If they did, they probably thought that he wanted a good chase."

Chaos said in pity. "It must have been hard for you."

Cloud chuckled humorlessly. "Heh, hunting down the only living man I still loved? Yeah, I'd call that tough."

When Cloud continued walking, Chaos was close behind.

"I am sorry."

Cloud stopped suddenly and Chaos bumped into him.

"Why?"

"You shouldn't have had to do that."

Cloud said sadly. "Someone else would have done it, then. At least... at least I was able to say goodbye."

The blond tried to hide his tears. Chaos saw them regardless and gently wrapped his arms around Cloud.

"You don't have to cry alone, Cloud." Chaos murmured softly.

Cloud shook his head. "Everyone pains alone."

"But they don't have to."

Cloud turned his head to look at him. "You did- do."

Chaos smiled tenderly. "And that made you suffer."

Cloud hesitated.

"Did it help you, Chaos?"

Chaos asked uncertainly. "What do you mean, Cloud?"

"Did it help you with your pain to torture me?"

Chaos shifted uncomfortably. Cloud turned around fully.

"You should have told me what you needed." Cloud whispered.

Chaos averted his gaze as Cloud said. "I would have given it to you."

The blond said softly. "No one should have to be alone, Chaos."

Chaos grasped Cloud's hand. "And yet..."

Cloud promised.

"You'll never be alone again, Chaos."