For those of you who've played Crisis Core, this is the end cutscene where [spoiler alert] Zack dies. I always wanted to figure out what Cloud was thinking through this. So I made it up! If you watch it and read the story, it should fit almost perfect. Well, at least I think so.

And this is not yaoi - though it can be seen as such. When it talks about being more than lovers, it means they're more than that. They're like two halves of a soul. Not a soulmate (which is when one's soul fits perfectly with another) but two halves of a soul, two peas in a pod, etc. Unless you've felt it, it's hard to explain. :/

But enjoy the read anyway!

-ooo-

I screamed at the heavens while whatever higher power that had let him die watched me, feeling pity but doing nothing.

As I looked up to the sky, letting the rain mix with my tears, I could only remember the gentle smiles and warm hugs. I could only think of the times where he showed a love I couldn't realize. Then, as something began to ache and sob in my chest, I discovered I had realized it.

Because…

I had loved him too.

We were more than comrades. Our love had gone beyond brothers, lovers or family. He was a part of me and I was a part of him.

The other half of me had died, protecting what was left.

"You can't go now."

"I love you…so much."

"Don't leave me, please."

"I need you."

Those words of desperation begged to be released, but I knew they wouldn't do any good and they'd only make me cry harder. I couldn't bear to cry any more. Not in front of his body.

I had to be strong for him. The sun began to peak through the rain, trying to make me feel better. It didn't but it helped me work up the courage to look back down at his corpse.

His bloodied lips smiled at me, even through death and his closed eyes still seemed gentle and caring. The blood and wounds on his chest seemed to disappear as I remembered his last words of wisdom to me.

Embrace your dreams. If you wanna be a hero…you need to have dreams.

"Thank you," I took a deep breath and kept my voice from cracking, "I won't forget." Somehow, I found the strength to stand up. I looked at him, unsure of what to say. What words of adieu could possibly be good enough for him? How could I say goodbye to someone who I couldn't live without…

Couldn't live without?

A rock lodged in my throat at the reminder of solitude. My eyes watered and I almost cried again until it struck me.

When it was my time to die, he'd be there in the afterlife, waiting for me. He'd smile and give me another warm hug, like it was the morning after a long, restless night.

"Goodnight," I decided. I would see him after this life, after this night filled with joys and nightmares. It would be a long, tiresome night, but I would endure it. I would stay strong, just to see him again.

"I love you," I prayed, hoping it would reach him, "I know it's late to realize it, but I do…and if you don't mind the wait, I'll meet up with you in time. Whether it's tomorrow or forty years from now, I'll see you no matter what. I promise."

I began to walk away, ready to get through the rest of my life. For some reason, I thought I heard a voice. It was quiet, but I couldn't mistake that voice.

"I'm gonna hold you to that promise. See you later, right?"

"Right," I smiled.