Disclaimer: dood, fanfiction. Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy, and the characters and universes therein are the property of Disney and Square Enix. I receive no remuneration for this work; it is a parody and as such utilizes the Fair Use clause of the Copyright Act.
Cloud flexed his bare fingers against the edge of the low stone wall of the postern, staring impassively at the horizon. He pressed his hips harder against the cold, unforgiving rock and inhaled deeply, closing his eyes and willing the harsh wind to erase all of his thoughts, his emotions, his pain. Would it be so hard to just...let go?
Several minutes passed before Cloud became aware of another presence, and it wasn't until few minutes beyond that point that he acknowledged said presence. He opened his eyes and turned just enough to capture the figure in his peripheral vision, then returned his gaze to the sky. He didn't give the other a second glance, and that really wasn't unexpected, though the newcomer found himself comforted by the minute shift in the blond's posture; whether he realized it or not, Cloud had lowered his guard.
The sun had nearly set by the time either of them moved again. Cloud pried his fingers from the ledge and squeezed them to his palms, utterly ignoring the burn in the stiff joints. He slowly pivoted to face his companion, and they regarded each other for a long moment in the fading light, one pair of eyes somber and empathetic and the other weary and evasive.
Finally, the dark-haired man nodded a little, mostly to himself, then unfolded his arms and pushed off of the high, curved wall. He turned away and headed down towards the restoration site, assured that Cloud would be only steps behind him.