Twisted Around

The gondolas passed by the window. Again. For the thirteenth time- or was it the fourteenth? Cloud had lost track by now. He lay on the bed, a sheet wrapped around his clothed thinning frame. How long had it been? Days? Months? Years? He couldn't tell anymore. Sometimes Vincent forced him to eat, but that was too random to base any system of time off of.

Vincent was out currently. Chaos had seemingly demanded to go... somewhere. Cloud didn't question it. Why would or should he? So the crazed demon wanted out for a bit- so did Cloud. He just knew better than to ask by now.

"Cloud."

Cloud barely stirred at the sound of Vincent's voice. The gunman walked to the bed and sat.

"Are you...?" Vincent began to ask if he was okay before realizing what a stupid question that was.

Cloud would not reply. He stared off into space.

"Cloud..."

Vincent moved and his knee nudged Cloud's back. Cloud involuntarily tried to keep the contact. It was touch from someone- something- other than Chaos.

"How long?"

Vincent blinked at the sudden question. "Cloud?"

"How long have I been here? How long since..." Since Chaos decided he wanted something to play with, to torture.

"Four days."

Cloud sighed. Two days, then, since Tifa had knocked at the door for a second time, wanting to discover why Cloud had not visited. Two days since she had opened to door to see Chaos standing in the doorway, Death Penalty in his hand. Two days...had it only been that long?

"You should eat something, Cloud. You haven't since yesterday..."

Is that why his stomach ached? Or was it longing to leave this hellhole...?

Cloud sat up. Anything different would work, and laying for a day did get boring, even if he wasn't totally there.

"Alright."

Hope lit up in Vincent's eyes as he handed Cloud a plate of... something. Cloud could only hope it was actually edible.

Vincent said slowly as Cloud ate. "Chaos" Cloud stiffened at the name. "has told me that tomorrow, if you really want, we should go down to Wonder Square or something..."

Cloud's head jerked up at that. "What?"

Vincent said again. "Chaos said that you may go to Wonder Square tomorrow."

Cloud thought it was sad that he had to wait for a demon's permission to go out, but decided not to say that. "Really? We can go out?"

/Yes, Strife./ Chaos rolled his eyes. /The crazed monster is letting you out of its lair for a bit./

Cloud jumped up and hugged a surprised Vincent. The gunman patted Cloud's back gently. Cloud was so happy. He was free! Well, somewhat free, anyway. No doubt he would have a wonderful day and return to Chaos sitting at the table,telling him he could never leave the room again or some shit like that.

Cloud had a thought. He could run. Go to the Ropeway and leave. He could leave Chaos here, behind him...

But he couldn't leave Vincent. Chaos would be pissed and would take it out on him. But the lure of freedom!

Cloud didn't know what to do. He decided he would worry about that then. Until then, he got to go out!



-T.B.C.-

Hey out there! Wasn't on for a while, now three chapters in one weekend! You think maybe Chaos'll be cool now? HA! As if. Chaos has his motives, I'm sure. -Insert maniacal laugh here-



Many, many thanks to Drac, DTDY, and Rosemary for your awesome reviews! You guys make me so happy...