Universe: FFVII
Timeline: Post-Dissidia

Cloud stared out his bedroom window, through the checkered curtains, into the morning sun. Twenty-two years old. In a way, it was sort of hard to believe how much time had gone by. For years now, Cloud had hated his birthday. It only meant another year was gone, another year where he had accomplished more moping than he had anything else. This year had been better than most, however. He had gained a lot, grown up some more, let go a little. Still, his birthday always seemed to make him sad.

He could remember his birthdays as a child. His mother always invited most of the Nibelheim neighbourhood to celebrate, and Cloud used to be embarrassed until the presents came out and distracted him. Mrs. Strife used to make the most delicious cakes. Decadent, three-layer cakes. Chocolate, strawberry, you name it. If Cloud wanted it, he got it.

Cloud sighed as his mind wandered forward, forward to his days with Zack. He'd only gotten to spend one of his birthdays with Zack, but it was probably his favourite of all. Zack had invited him to his apartment at Shinra, and Cloud had walked into a room full of balloons and streamers. Zack had just stood there grinning when Cloud's jaw had dropped a good few inches. At first, Cloud was a little annoyed because he had clearly stated he did not want any special attention on this day. But once Zack had presented him with a tray full of lopsided cupcakes that he had baked himself, Cloud couldn't help but smile. Then they had sat at the kitchen table and eaten every last cupcake one by one.

Cloud blinked away the tears that were suddenly stinging his eyes. He decided he would blame the sun that was shining in through the window, not the emotions that were welling up inside him. He knew he shouldn't be sad. Life had been so good this year. It was wrong to complain.

The smell of freshly baking pancakes began to waft upstairs, bringing Cloud back to his senses and making him realize that he, in fact, was very hungry. It was breakfast time, after all. He didn't bother to look behind him when he heard footsteps climbing the stairs leading up from the bar. He knew who owned those footsteps all too well. A moment later, he felt Tidus behind him, and his warm arms laced their way around Cloud's middle. Cloud moved his hands to rest on top of Tidus', to let him know the contact was appreciated.

"Aren't your pancakes gonna burn?" Cloud whispered.

"No, Tifa's taking care of 'em," Tidus whispered back. They stood there for a minute, gazing out the bright, sunlit window, the warmth of the closeness soothing them both.

"You're sad, aren't you? Why?" Tidus asked. Cloud shook his head.

"I don't know. Just thinking about the past," he replied.

"Well, there are some birthday pancakes downstairs that are calling your name," Tidus said, his breath tickling Cloud's neck. Cloud stifled a chuckle. He knew Tidus had done that on purpose.

"There are no candles involved, right? And no presents? You know I said no presents," Cloud said, trying to get his voice back into a tone that Tidus would actually listen to.

"Um, I can't guarantee there's no candles in those pancakes," Tidus admitted. "But I listened to you about the presents. I feel really bad about it, but, I figured you'd get mad if I got you anything."

"I don't need anything," Cloud said, gently. He spun around in Tidus' arms to face him, and he pressed a kiss to Tidus' unsuspecting lips. "I've got you. I've never found anything I wanted more."