Welcome to the third chapter of 'Crossfire'. Thanks for coming in, dear friends! My appreciation for you is nothing short of immortal. This will, without a doubt, forever remain one of my most powerful projects. As this is written during a powerful time period, I write this with the hopes of moving you. I enjoyed writing the Cloud Strife/Old Snake lemon for the previous chapter, and will continue to enjoy their bond for the rest of their adventures. Thanks for joining their first adventure together!

Warning: You probably know all of this. Old Snake, the emotion thing, the boy/boy love...it's all here.


So many tears had been shed. He had spent so much time sobbing, the concept of time had drifted out of his grasp. His eyes ached feverishly, and dizziness strangled his body. Sorrow had taken its toll, dragging his spirit right along with it. Arms were wrapped around him, though, providing more than enough solace. A maiden had posted herself at his side, issuing words of comfort. A smile had grown not too long ago, and it was still with her-despite the pain flowing through the atmosphere. Listening to him sob was akin to being tortured by fire, but she remained a pillar of strength. Her name was Tifa Lockhart, and she was Hal Emmerich's haven.

Immeasurable moments passed before Hal became limp. The winds of life were still with him, but his strength was no more. Tifa gasped as he became a ragdoll, as if she had been nursing a child-and the child abruptly fell asleep, lost within her arms. A smile was born once she realized the advent of slumber. The otaku, although he had fallen asleep in the most painful way, had a chance to grab peaceful dreams. She'd give both of her arms to assure warm, invigorating dreams. Hopefully he'd dream of much happier times, and places that were far away from war!

She gasped again as the door was thrown open. Hal awakened with a jump, head shooting up like a pike. Neither of them had a chance to fathom the situation. A familiar blonde stormed into the room, without warning and without a single word. Volcanoes were flowing from his blue eyes, earning instant surprise from his childhood friend.

"Cloud? Wh-wh-what are you doing? Is everything-"

"He can't do it. He can't go."

Wrapped up in Tifa's arms, a disoriented Hal blinked furiously. "Wh-wh-what do you m-m-mean?" he asked, wiping tears from his reddened, weary eyes. Tifa smiled inwardly for an ephemeral moment, comparing the otaku to a groggy child. Meanwhile, Cloud was in no mood to smile. With his tear-stained face, red eyes and facial expression, one could have easily assumed he witnessed a death. "I'm talking about Snake," he said, both frantic and irritated. The world was ending, and Hal was asking stupid questions?

"He can't do it. He can't go."

Hal Emmerich made a shaky return to reality. Dizziness stormed inside of his skull, but vision lost its blurriness. His eyes burned as time went on, giving him an unimaginable headache. Despite physical comfort, though, he managed to keep his focus on the situation at hand. Cloud was evidently upset over the GW situation, and something had to be done. But what?

"Cloud...you said you'd take him with you."

The blonde brought himself closer to the duo, even more frustrated. The ends of his threads were obviously frayed, and there wasn't a way to repair them. "I don't want him to go with me," he snarled, tears rushing from his eyes. Noticing the intense level of Cloud's anger, Tifa tightened her grip on the otaku. Her eyes never left the Strife once.

"He can't do it. I won't let him."

Maiden and Emmerich exchanged a fretful glance. The conversation was doomed before it even began, in their eyes. There was no easy way out of the confrontation. "C-C-Cloud," the otaku stammered, wide-eyed with fear and sorrow. "I'm sorry, but this...th-th-this m-m-mission is his burden to bear. Either he d-d-does with you, or without you."

Cloud didn't waste a second. "Why can't I protect him?!" the deliveryman roared, hands balled into fists. "Why can't I shield him from the storm?!"

"We set this into motion," Hal shot back, body assuming perfect posture. Tears coursed out of his weary eyes. By 'we', he was referring to himself and Snake. Their history was bursting with ups and downs, many of which centered around the world's distress. "This is our responsibility to bear!"

"So what?!" Cloud growled, adopting the persona of an enraged canine. "Is this about some vendetta against Liquid?! Are you willing to endanger your friend's life over the past?!"

Tearing himself out of Tifa's arms, a weeping Hal retaliated. "There's too much for you to understand! You don't know half of what we've been!"

"What is it with you people?! You've done nothing but use him to meet your own ends! You've pulled him through so many damn wringers, without giving a second glance to what he wants!"

A horrified Tifa opened her mouth to defend Hal, but Hal beat her to the finish line. Rising to his feet, he delivered his response with vehemence and grief. "How dare you!" the otaku cried, eyes overflowing and voice hoarse. Seeing Hal in such a state broke Tifa's heart a million times. "You don't understand anything! Anything at all! He understands the importance of this mission, just as I do! This means a great deal to him! And I'm sorry for causing him pain! I'm sorry! I'm sorry for being unable to help him! I'm sorry I can't save him! I'm sorry, Cloud! I'm sorry!"

Everything Tifa accomplished went down the drain. Hal fell to his knees, submerged in wails. Tifa's anger against Cloud flared for a moment, then exhaustion wiped it out. All of her loved ones were uneasy. The world was uneasy. Thus, the frayed threads. Cloud and Hal weren't exactly in the best of condition. And Cloud's wrath slackened several levels. Ha's sobbing could bring an end to a demon's reign. "What are you sorry for?" the blonde asked softly, slowly approaching the fallen otaku. He knew Hal wasn't just apologizing for the GW arrangement.

"I'm s-s-sorry. He's dying and I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Cloud."

The 'd' word couldn't be registered for a hot second. It was as if Hal had said something in Italian. Dying? What could that possibly mean? The Strife had never heard it before. Was Hal speaking in some kind of code? Had he been left in the dark about something?

Returned to Tifa's arms, a helpless Hal peered into Cloud's widened eyes. "I'm sorry," he repeated, sniffing. "He didn't want me to say anything. Didn't want you to worry. Didn't feel the need to make you worry."

At a tremendous loss, Cloud just stared. That provided Hal the room to continue. "Everything you've thought has been wrong," the otaku wept, feeling Tifa's hands rub at his eyes. "The coughing, the aches...the age of his body isn't the only thing at fault. That's not it at all."

Cloud, all anger gone, knelt before the Lockhart and Emmerich. "What's going on, Hal?" he asked, thoroughly afraid of the answer. Hal, on his own end, looked like a puppy on its last legs.

"It's FoxDie. A virus called FoxDie. Naomi implanted inside of his system. I don't know how long ago that was, but...it's been killing him ever since. He's supposed to be so much younger than he actually is, and...it's been killing him. He didn't want me to tell you. Wanted me to keep it secret. I'm sorry."

Tifa gave her lifelong friend a fretful glance, warning him of fragile territory. Cloud just blinked, and he blinked furiously. The first question he wished to ask was: how much longer does he have? That question was instantly deemed inappropiate, and for a reason he was about to express. "Are there no cures?" he asked gently, placing a hand on top of the otaku's unkempt head. Just like a puppy's, Hal's body welcomed the affectionate contact.

"I haven't been able to find a cure. I've been useless this entire time. I tried and tried, but I just couldn't find one. I'm so sorry!"

"Don't be," the blonde said instantly, desperately hoping to prevent another wave of sobs. He would have preferred kissing Sephiroth to hearing Hal break down. "And just so you know, I'm not going to let him die. There's no way in Hell I'm letting him die. He means too much to me, and I want him to stay with his family. I'm going to restore his life...for all of us."

Hal was at a loss.

Tifa smiled with a mother's pride.

Not another word was spoken for moments on end, then Hal broke their silence. Much to the pleasure of his friends, there was a radiant smile on his face. Relieved, Cloud found the perfect opportunity to continue. "I'll save him, and protect him," the deliveryman vowed. "There isn't anything I wouldn't do for him."

"I know," the Emmerich replied, voice soaked in eternal warmth. Wiping at his eyes, he gave forth a chuckle. "Cloud, you're the best thing that's ever happened to him. Thank you for loving him, and even if you can't sa-"

Cloud interjected, looking as if someone had asked him to make love to Liquid. "Don't even entertain the thought. He isn't going to lose his life to some virus, and that's that. Oh, and for the record, I don't care if he's a million years old. I love him the way he is, and I'll love him once my elixir works. Nothing's going to change."

Chuckles came from the Emmerich's mouth. Tifa caught a glow in the Strife's eyes, and decided to remark on it. "You dog," the maiden said playfully, wagging a finger at the blonde. "What did you do to our Snake?"

At those words, Cloud became a picture of blazing shyness. "W-w-well, I..." he stammered in an uncharacteristic manner. "We...I just...I just let him know how I feel. I released my feelings."

"Sure you did," the Lockhart said sweetly, eyes twinkling. She brought Hal closer, then kissed the top of his head. Before she could speak to the otaku, Cloud presented his bit of mischief. "Just what have you done to Hal? I see you've become much closer!"

"I didn't ravage him, if that's what you're implying!"

Tifa's playful outburst earned an instant display of shock from Hal. Cloud, happy for the cheer, decided to keep up the banter. "You want to, though," the Strife added triumphantly, folding his arms. "I can see it in your eyes! Why don't you just admit it!"

"My hormones are none of your business! And you're one to talk! You google-eye Snake as if he's a piece of prime cut steak!"

"For your information, Snake is far more beautiful than a cut of meat!"

"If he isn't just a slither of meat, why did you tear him apart in the bedroom?"

"Because I love him, that's why."

That retaliation ended the round of banter, providing Hal with a great deal of relief. Smiling through tears, Tifa shoved a lock of hair from her eyes. "And I love good ol' Otacon," the maiden declared happily, eyes shining with rapture. Since that was her first declaration of love, Hal was bowled over. "Y-y-you d-d-do?" the stammering otaku asked, straightening his glasses. Tifa giggled, and answered as if he had just asked a math equation.

"Uh huh!"

"W-w-well th-th-then, I...I..."

"Yep. I already know how you feel about me," the Lockhart giggled, poking him on the nose. Hal, because of that small movement, almost fainted. "I love you and you love me. That's that. Now it's time for bed."

"B-b-but-"

"No 'but's. Say goodnight to Snake's future husband."

"Don't talk to him the way you speak to Marlene, idiot. That's demeaning."

"But I wuffs him. You can't tell me how to speak to my Hal."

The expression 'my Hal' was enough to move Hal to tears. And at that moment, he reflected on Tifa's connection to Sunny-which was picture perfect. Sunny wasn't too fond of Naomi, but she was perfectly happy with the Lockhart. All of his confessions of love would have to wait, though, for he was beyond exhausted. Turning his head to Cloud, he quickly found himself immersed in overwhelming weariness.

"Cloud?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry."

"Apologize once more and I'll gut you."

"No. I'm s-s-sorry about...our confrontation. I really am. And thanks for caring so much...about my friend."

"First off," the Strife said, placing his arms arond the weary otaku. Both he and Tifa put him to bed, treating him like a shard of glass. "I'm the one that started it. You were merely defending yourself. Second, anyone would die to have a friend like you. You're the best thing that's ever happened to Snake. I'm not."

Hal would have given his laptop to counter-attack Cloud's last statement. Unfortunately, he didn't have the strength to cut it off. He found himself asleep in seconds, completely lost to the night's fragile remnants. Cloud looked to Tifa worriedly, looking very much like a worried mother.

"You think he knows?"

The svelte maiden nodded. "I'm sure he does. Absolutely."

"I couldn't tell him."

"He knows, Cloud! Sheesh! This is Hal we're dealing with, here! He knows you love him! Now you'd better get back to Snake! I can't believe you left him after your first time together! You're the worst!"

Right then and there, Cloud became horrified beyond comprehension. He looked as if he wished to cry, the poor thing! "Hurry up and get back to him," the Lockhart ordered warmly, patting him on the back. "Return to him. He needs you, Cloud."

Without another word, the blonde made a swift exit. Tifa observed his departure with a giggle, knowing full well he'd reach Snake in mere seconds. She remained at Hal's side, happy to experience a change in atmosphere. For a moment, the night would know no wrath, fear or pain. It would be calm and sweet, allowing lovers and friends to breathe. It would be soft and forgiving, allowing a young legend to spend precious serenity with an old hero. The legend soon returned to his bedroom, and found himself breathless in an instant. Snake, bearing the sweet magic of a sad puppy, was peering at him from underneath the covers. He had spent Cloud's absence in anxiety, blaming himself for the blonde's departure. And as soon as Cloud caught sight of him, it was as if he had discovered Snake for the very first time. An invigorating rush of euphoria, bewilderment and shock crashed into his bloodstream.

"Baby?"

Cloud was at his side in an instant. "It's all right. Don't speak. I'm here."

The blonde climbed underneath the sheets, body and soul smiling. As soon as he dove underneath the covers, he found peace. He found home, where he belonged. "I'm sorry," he said softly, sending a hand into the older male's hair. His voice was softer than a feather, soothing and warm. "I'm so sorry for leaving you. I'll never leave you again. I swear it."

"Thought you became bored," Snake said with a chuckle, closing his eyes. Smiling, he snuggled against the other's side. Cloud wrapped his arms around him, glowing with unfathomable adoration. Images of a cozy house and walks in the park flew threw his mind, all of them including Snake. Tifa's remark on his marriage to Snake sent a thousand waves of warmth into his heart, causing every last one of his images to glow.

"That'll never happen. You'll always be the center of my universe, love. Always."

A grunt was issued. Snake was momentarily disgruntled with something. Cloud observed him in wonder, eyes filled with the deepest awe. The older male caught Cloud's facial expression and kissed him on the nose, beaming. "Guess I'm still dreaming," he said sleepily, then closed his eyes once again. Cloud said nothing, but was undoubtedly eyeing him. The Strife wanted to repeat three words two million times, but the night wouldn't allow it. He also wanted to smother a certain someone, but there wasn't enough time for that either. There was time for something, though.

"Snake?"

"Hmm?"

"I love you. You're the world to me. You're my air. I want to make love to you again. You're amazing. You're the reason I breathe."

The most beautiful smile spread across the soldier's face. "I love you too, babe," the puppy replied, feeling rather giddy. "But is there something you want to ask me?"

"No," Cloud said in an instant, voice heavy with hunger. Love. "There's something I want to tell you. When all of this is over, you're going to marry me. You're going to marry me, and I'm going to make you the happiest husband alive. We're going to spend the rest of our lives together. I'll buy you a ring, and give you the moon."

Tears poured from a set of sleepy eyes. "You really wanna marry me?"

"You know I do. And I'm going to save you. I'm going to give you life. I love you, Solid Snake, and I'm not going to let you leave."

"Whatever, baby," an overjoyed puppy yawned, moved beyond belief. "There's just one problem."

"What?"

"Name's not Snake," the old male replied, sleepier and sleepier. "Not Solid Snake, or Old Snake. Those are just stage names. Call me Snake while we're running around in my brother's hellhole, but not afterwards."

Cloud frowned. "Well, what do I call you?"

"David. Snake would look funny on our wedding certificate."

Nothing else was said. Cloud, glowing at the mere thought of 'David Strife', snuggled against his one and only love. Hands were gripped as lovers fell asleep, lost in each other's embrace. Neither of them knew what tomorrow would hold, but one thing would be forever certain. Whether the battle was won or lost, didn't matter.

In their eyes, David and Cloud were already married-and perfectly happy.


This was composed to 'About Her' of the Kill Bill 2 OST, and 'Balamb Garden' of the Final Fantasy VIII OST. The second song was a perfect fit for the chapter, once the tension between Cloud and Hal died off. XD

Originally, the final scenes between David and Cloud were much shorter. Cloud was just supposed to return to his lover's side, David was just supposed to ask 'what's wrong', and Cloud was supposed to burst into tears. And the whole bit about marriage wasn't originally featured. Listening to emotional, lovey-dovey songs caused me to make a much happier, but still powerful, ending. Wouldn't be funny if I had one of them die in the end? Or perhaps both. Tee hee hee. XD

As you can tell, I'm feeling a mite better. Life is returning to Normal Street.

Thank you very much for reading. I just adore the relationship between Cloud and Old Snake! XD

I have found the perfect couple. I have found the perfect tale.