This is the last chapter. Thanks to Kuraudo strife who gave me suggestions and an overall bill of health. To all my readers thanks and REVIEW! It makes me happy :D

_________________________________________________________

Months later………….

Cloud stood on the outcropping over looking a desolate and completely destroyed Midgar. The Buster Sword sat buried in the earth by his side, somehow a constant reminder of the hope and the men he had lost. It had started to rust, stark veins of brown metal running along the blade. He could remember how much attention Zack paid to the one reminder he had of an important man he himself had lost. There was just so much he wished had turned out different, things in his life he wish had never happened.

Zack and Sephiroth, both love of his life lost through fate. Then there was Vincent, the man he was learning to love lost through infidelity. It weighed heavily on his heart how much he seemed to lose those he cared for that way, those he wanted to share not just his life but his body with.

The wind ruffled his spiky blonde hair, swirling around him and Cloud took a deep breath, pensive and melancholy. He could smell the burnt ruins of the old metropolis while watching the corrosive remains of the old ShinRa Headquarters, still standing tall in the heart of the city. A mockery of the elite tower it once was.

What was there left for him? Sure Tifa had offered her home and her heart, but he was afraid his blackness might impact on whatever good thing she and the kids had going without him. He couldn't imagine his sadness and gloom not affecting their somewhat perceived happiness and joy with each other. He doubted they needed him to make them feel any more awkward than they did when he was around. He could see the paradox of emotions in their eyes and he knew he was the cause of it. He didn't want that at all and at least now that was one less blame on his increasing tally of hurt.

He knew he had gotten worse since he walked out on Vincent and he didn't want them to see that at all. He didn't want them to see the hurt or the pain in his eyes. But most of all he never wanted to see Vincent ever again.

It had been six months since the last time Cloud had been in Edge, been anywhere near the place. He constantly got phone calls from Tifa and the kids, he even got one from Barrett, none of which he answered because he was just too afraid to let them in, afraid they could hear everything through the sound of his voice, pick up on his flaws with his own words.

The dark clouds ahead had obscured the light from the sun, darkening his surroundings. It was befitting the blonde thought to how he felt, like a mirror of his inner struggle. From his sitting position he reshuffled himself until he was lying on his back with one arm cradling his head. He allowed his eyes to skim over the rusted Buster sword, a symbol to the pride and honor Zack held. It was a keen reminder for him to hold on, a small anchor in his struggle to remain sane.

Feeling himself become sleepy and relaxed from his comforting position, the blonde quickly fell into a deep sleep, allowing the whispers of the lifestream to lull him to darkness.

______________________________

There was white as far as the eyes could see, flowers of different patterns growing on the ground. The air was crisp, clean, nothing close to the smog that was breathed as oxygen in Midgar or its surroundings.

Cloud looked around, remembering the last time he had come to this place. It was so he could talk to Aerith. Expecting the light hearted flower girl, he was a little surprised when the sound of Zack's voice echoed around the area.

"Hello, Spike." There was no mistaking the cheerfulness of that voice.

Cloud drew in a breath, happy to be able to talk him once again. "Hello, Zack."

Cloud closed his eyes and he could feel the hand placed on his shoulders.

"I've missed you Spike," Zack whispered in his ear and Cloud sighed before opening his eyes and gazing longingly into those soft violet eyes.

"I see you've not been well, Spike." Zack's voice became a little somber and Cloud closed his eyes, wishing they didn't have to talk about his problems. Why did Zack have to ruin the little happiness he was feeling just now?

"I want to see you happy Cloud," Zack responded in answer to the blonde's thoughts. Cloud would never be able to hide anything from him here. There was just so much weighing the blonde down and he didn't like to see it. He could tell though that his and Sephiroth's death was the most darkened hole in Cloud's heart.

Cloud's eyes shot open and he looked deeply into those violet eyes he loved so much, searching for an answer.

"Tell me how to be happy Zack, is it a secret? Something I had to learn but didn't? Why do I have to live like this, Why do I have to be the one to sacrifice? Why me Zack!? Why?"

Zack gave a sad smile when a lone tear escaped the corner of Cloud's eyes, but the blonde stubbornly held his gaze, waiting for an answer.

"I do not know why fate deals us the hand it does Cloud, at least you're alive to still try and search for that happiness."

Cloud closed his eyes and turned his back to the brunette, shuddering with the force of the new emptiness that welled inside him. "I guess you're right Zack." He turned around, a crestfallen look on his face. "At least I'm alive… when I'd rather be with you."

Zack smiled a thin smile. "There is someone down there who would give you that happiness if you tried."

Cloud snapped his head up. "Vincent?"

Zack nodded.

Cloud took a deep breath. "You know what he did Zack, please don't ask this of me."

"Things aren't always what they seem Cloud, I'd like you to look at things a little closer to get to the truth," Zack smiled, even though deep down he knew the obstacle in Cloud's way he might not be able to overcome.

Was it Cloud's imagination or was the brunette starting to fade? "Tru….?"

Cloud was interrupted when a ringing suddenly sounded through the fog in his mind. He quickly started out of his haze, jumping up to a sitting position to realize he was asleep. Thearea was dark and the incessant noise started again, he realized a moment later it was his phone. He grabbed the item from his pocket and saw 'Tifa' flashing across the screen. He opted to not answer and listen to the voicemail instead. What he heard had him jumping on Fenrir and racing towards Edge at top speed.

"Cloud! Please come quickly, the bar is under attack!"

__________________________________

Twenty minutes and one overworked engine later, Cloud pulled up to the entrance of the 7th, noticing the door was torn off it's hinges and there were claw scratches and other signs of a huge struggle outside and he jumped off Fenrir, grabbing his sword and racing towards the door. He peeked through to see Rude kneeling over Tifa, the woman's head cradled in his arms and the place deserted. Re-sheathing First Tsurugi on his back, the blonde quickly walked over to the pair, a concerned look on his face.

"What happened here?"

Rude could hear the concerned voice and he tensed before answering, he had a bad feeling about this particular person being here right now. "We were on our way here when we saw the bar being attacked by two Basilisks. We managed to chase them off but one of them struck Tifa while escaping. I think she might have been poisoned but I gave her a small dose of Esuna, she'll be alright."

Cloud heaved a sigh of relief, glad no more damage was done. He was suddenly broken out of his thoughts when a voice echoed from the stairs while light foot steps could be heard descending said wooden stairs.

"Couldn't find any more yo, she alright R….."

Reno suddenly tapered off, halting in his movements when he spotted Cloud at the bottom of the stairs giving him a blank unreadable look. He honestly wished he had followed his mind and ditched Rude earlier. To say he wasn't expecting to see the blonde was an understatement because he couldn't move an inch. He considered going back upstairs but decided he would face whatever would happen. He couldn't keep running after all and since Chaos wasn't around, this might be his chance to iron things out between them as much as he could. He'd been called a home wrecker by Denzel after the kid found out the truth about why Cloud doesn't come around anymore and his sentiments were explicitly mirrored by Marlene, who shouted at him for ruining Cloud's life and inadvertently Denzel's. They were only teenagers with half the truth so the red head didn't hold any of it against them.

Even Elena and the others had regarded him at fault for hurting Cloud. That was until he explained the entire situation to the lot of them. Even Tifa had to learn the truth for her to not try to kill him with one of her powerful punches. She was really ready to hurt him that day.

Both men watched the redhead approach, Cloud with a pensive look while Rude seemed nervous. Everybody knew that with his enhanced strength Cloud could easily beat Reno to a pulp and Rude did not want it to reach that stage.

"Take Tifa upstairs Rude and get her in a soft bed," Reno instructed, no room for argument in his command.

Rude looked between the two men standing meters apart and he could feel the tension like electricity in the air. He didn't want to, but decided to take Tifa up to her room. He'll stay on the stairs for good measure in case the shit hit the fans. Cradling the brunette in his muscular arms he walked away with her.

Both men stared long and hard at each other, both of them hesitant as to how to begin. There was so much Reno wanted to say in his defense, to maybe get Cloud to forgive him but the cold hard stare he was receiving made anything he wanted to say get stuck in his throat. He didn't see how he could do this without making Cloud hate him deeper, to not try and skewer his ass with his big ass sword. Those blue eyes were cold and hard.

Cloud on the other hand was feeling extremely annoyed at having to stay there, to try and listen to what Reno had to say. He felt angry and insulted that Reno could even look him in the eyes.

"I'm sorry yo," was all Reno could say.

Cloud gave him a cold hard look. "For what? You have him now to yourself."

"I didn't want…." Reno started but was cut off by clipped angry words.

"You didn't want?" Cloud asked incredulously, his blue eyes glowing so brightly they were scaring Reno who took a step back. "What didn't you want Reno, Vincent? I talked to you, confided in you and you…." The blonde trailed off while turning his back to the other, his voice barely above a whisper. "You fucked me over."

"Cloud, listen…" Reno pleaded. "I didn't want this, it just happened yo."

Cloud made a small laugh, turning around to glare at the redhead. "I guess Vincent just happened to fuck you, right?" Fucking unbelievable.

"Cloud, it wasn't Vincent. You have to believe me."

"So it wasn't Vincent's name you called that night while you were screwing my boyfriend?" Cloud mocked, his voice condescending.

"It was but…"

"I don't want to hear it," Cloud replied, cutting the redhead off while simultaneously walking to the door.

"Cloud, listen to me please…" Reno started after the blonde just as he threw the door open to walk out the bar, to maybe walk away for good but they both stopped dead in their tracks.

Cloud was looking into Vincent's face, at lips he'd kissed so often and skin he'd caressed, but when his eyes met angry yellow he became confused for a second. Vincent's eyes were red. Before the blonde could register what had happened there was a sickening crack before everything went black.

"CLOUD!" Reno shouted, running over to the figure just punched into the adjacent wall, his body hitting with a loud crack before he crumpled to the floor in a heap.

Rude bolted down the stairs in a heartbeat, he was standing close by after all and he was expecting a fight, just not this.

"Cloud!" Reno reached the unconscious blonde and cradled Cloud's head in his arm, his heartbeat racing a mile a minute.

Rude furrowed his brows at the figure at the door, he could feel the killer aura rolling off the demon and he quickly brought his EMR out, getting into a defensive stance while inching close to Reno.

Chaos stood by the door unmoving, his eyes focused on Reno, wanting him to get away from the inferior human that was Cloud Strife. He was about to make his way over and grab the red head when something happened! He was suddenly pushed to the back of Vincent's conscience while he came forth. Where he was getting the strength from to over power him he had no idea, but this wasn't the end at all.

"Cloud."

Rude didn't know what had happened, he was expecting having to battle the demon but when the figure rushed forth, it was towards Reno with concern etched on his face. He realized the eyes were red, it was Vincent and he relaxed a little bit, lowering his weapon but still having it out in case Chaos returned.

Vincent snatched Cloud away from the startled redhead, supporting him in his arms. There was blood running down the side of Cloud's face while his head lolled and Vincent had never felt so scared in his life. He had to watch Chaos hurt Cloud, watch the demon he was harboring cause pain to the one he loved. He had to stop it at any cost.

"Let's get him upstairs," Vincent voiced more to himself than to the others. He found his way into one of the empty guest rooms and placed Cloud gingerly on the bed. He used his human hand to move some of the blonde hair away, which revealed a large gash in the scalp. Luckily the mako was healing the wound instantly.

"Will he be alright?"

Vincent could hear the concern in Reno's voice, but he really wasn't caring about the red head right now, as a matter of fact his only concern was Cloud.

"Rude, get me a potion," Vincent instructed after ripping Cloud's shirt open and checking his body for internal damages. Luckily there was none so he could give the blonde the potion without worrying about healing broken bones.

Rude fished a small bottle from his person and handed it to the gunner, who pushed a finger into Cloud's mouth before slowly pouring the liquid inside and making sure Cloud didn't spill any. When the blonde drank it all, Vincent stared at the porcelain face marred slightly by the blow with concern. He wanted to know Cloud was alright.

"Will he be ok yo?" Reno reiterated a little more forcefully, not wanting to be neglected or treated like an outcast. None of this was his fault, he hadn't done anything.

"I think he'll be alright partner," Rude answered, turning his gaze towards Reno who was pouting. He decided the best thing to do was to leave Vincent and Cloud alone. Now that they were sure Chaos hadn't caused any lasting damage, the two figures on the bed probably had a lot of things to iron out.

Reno tried to protest when Rude grabbed him by the arm and hauled him out the room, but he conceded when he realized that now wasn't the time to be butting in. He did want to reconcile with both Vincent and Cloud after all and making them mad at him was nowhere to start.

"Hold up yo, I'm coming," Reno sighed when Rude finally pulled him through the door. He took a last peeked at Vincent's back and Cloud's unconscious body before closing the door behind him.

__________________________

"Cloud," Vincent called while slapping the fair cheeks lightly. He knew the mako would have fully healed the blonde by now and he was glad for the alone time they were granted. He could finally talk to the blonde once more about what had happened.

"Cloud." This time Cloud stirred, blurry, unfocused blue eyes gazing around the room before settling on him.

"Cloud?"

"No!" the blonde shouted, struggling to reach behind him for his sword that fell off his back downstairs when he got hit. Vincent had to hold him down, which was hard with his enhanced strength but he managed to do it, assuring Cloud he was no threat.

"Vincent?" Cloud asked unsure and the gunner nodded his head reassuringly.

"Are you ok, Cloud?" Vincent asked concerned, running his human hand down the soft cheeks, remembering how long it had been since he'd touched any part of the blonde.

Cloud turned his cheek into the touch, missing it oh so badly before he caught himself and looked at Vincent. Sighing, he sat up and hugged his knees to his chest.

"How have you been, Cloud?" Vincent asked lowly while watching the blonde. He didn't receive any answer but decided to keep talking.

"I've really missed you. I'm sorry Chaos hurt you like that." Vincent took a deep breath. "I couldn't stop him from taking Reno."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Cloud asked solemnly, still turning his head away from the sight of the other. He now realized Vincent was telling the truth but he didn't see how that changed anything now. It's already gone too far.

"I was…afraid you would not have believed me," Vincent answered.

Cloud made a small chuckle. "I didn't. But I'm sure I would have been a little more forgiving if you had said something from earlier."

"I couldn't risk you facing Chaos, he would have killed you if given the chance."

"Why, what did I do to make him hate me so much?" A hand gently touched the tender flesh of where he got the hit and Cloud winced. It was still throbbing.

"He believes you are inferior…and that…" Vincent tapered off and Cloud picked up on the sudden hesitation. What wasn't Vincent telling him? He turned his blue gaze towards the gunner.

"What is it, what are you keeping from me this time?" Cloud didn't mean for his question to sound so suspicious, but it did and he decided not to apologize. Vincent could take it any which way he liked.

"Reno isn't a normal human, and whatever he is is feeding Chaos's power. That's why he wanted to get rid of you…"

"So you could both share Reno," Cloud finished, his eyes downcast and his chest constricting. He honestly couldn't see a way around that one at all. It was no use trying to go against such a powerful demon, the destroyer of Omega. "I see…"

Vincent came closer and he felt the bed dip, then a hand was on his leg rubbing lightly.

"Cloud.."

"Mmm?" The blonde sat brooding over this new information, contemplating his options while purposefully keeping his gaze away. He didn't see any way to work any of it out if Chaos thought so less of him.

"Cloud!"

Cloud's head snapped up at the urgency of Vincent's voice, but by that time it was too late.

_________________________________________

Reno paced back and forth across the bar downstairs. His gut feeling told him this wouldn't end well, not in the least. He'd been with Chaos long enough to know a few broken bones was the least of his worries, he was worried for Strife…and maybe a little concerned he and Vincent would try to get back together which would spell imminent disaster for the blonde.

"Take it easy partner," Rude cautioned, worried about Reno because the redhead seemed to be taking this harder than he thought. "I'm sure Strife can handle himself if anything happens."

"You just don't get it yo!" Reno shouted in frustration.

Rude quirked a brow. "Don't get what, Reno?"

An exasperated sigh left Reno's lips. "He's determined to kill Cloud."

Rude sat up slowly. "I know Reno, what aren't you telling me?"

"It's the fucking Jenova cells, Rude!"

Rude stood contemplating this new information.

"Damn it, whatever the Jenova cell is Chaos sees it as a threat! He hates humans but he only tries to kill Cloud, get it yo?"

"Holy shit," Rude muttered.

Just then there was a piercing scream from upstairs and they knew it was Cloud, there was no mistaking that voice. Racing up the stairs as fast as they could, Reno reached the door first and turned the handle.

"Shit, it's locked!"

Rude wasted no time kicking the door down and both men entered to see Cloud pinned under Chaos, wheezing and gasping. The blonde was struggling to free himself from the hand choking him while Chaos had his gauntlet arm up as if to strike the blonde.

"Chaos, STOP!" Reno shouted, sprinting towards the two and lashing his foot out which caught Chaos in the side. The demon rolled away but quickly regained his composure.

"Mmm, want to play rough today?" Chaos purred, his eyes as bright as the morning sun while his slight smile bared very sharp teeth.

Cloud laid gasping for breath on the floor and Reno gave him a quick look before focusing his attention back on Chaos. He knew of only one way to get them out of this and he decided if he could prevent it, he would never let Cloud die. Closing his eyes, the red head concentrated the flow of energy within his body, something he had learned to do over the past couple of months, which was similar to an aphrodisiac to the demon.

Chaos inhaled deeply the rich scent emanating from the redhead while keeping his eyes focused on the aura only he could see. Reno was able to hold the demon's attention and he watched out the corner of his eyes as Rude helped Cloud out the room. There was blood on Cloud's shirt and he limped his way out with Rude's help. He breathed a sigh of relief when the door closed with a soft click.

Reno slowly walked over to Chaos and gazed down at the crouching demon who looked about ready to rip him to shreds.

________________________

When they were situated at the bar, Cloud pushed Rude away and massaged his sore throat. "I'll be alright," the blonde muttered in a hoarse voice before staggering his way to his sword and after picking it up he headed outside. He spotted Fenrir parked out front and limped his way over to his bike.

Rude followed close behind until Cloud mounted the bike. "I'm sorry, Strife," the dark skinned man apologized.

Cloud glanced at him before turning the switch in the keyhole. "It's ok Rude, you might not see me for a while."

Rude nodded his head, watching as Cloud pulled a pair of goggles from the front of the bike and covered his eyes. He knew somehow this was the last, maybe the end of any relations the man had with any of them. He also felt bad for his partner, knowing that when the dust was settled there was three miserable hurting souls in need of comfort and help. He'd seen Reno stumble to his apartment half dead countless times when he tried to get out, tried to get away from the demon and the destructive relationship he was forced into. When he, Tseng and the others had tried to defend Reno they were all nearly killed because Chaos didn't take kindly to people trying to take his toys. But the main thing was he never killed them, mostly because Reno begged him not to, which was a far cry from the attitude he had towards Cloud.

"She's not alone," Cloud muttered with his fingers paused on the key in the ignition. It was more a statement, an admittance to the blonde and Rude understood, Cloud believed Tifa didn't need him anymore since she had them all to watch over her.

"No she isn't," The dark skinned man answered.

Rude knew and understood all hope was lost for the three and as he watched Cloud speed off into the distance he barely lifted his hand in a wave, knowing this might really be the last any of them ever hear from him. He didn't miss the slight twist of Cloud's body before a small item crashed into the sidewalk and shattered.

That was it, Cloud's last and only means of contact to the rest of them, shattered into maybe hundreds of pieces like he knew the man felt. Sighing, the bulky man walked back towards the bar looking up at the window to the room he left Reno.

Backing out his EMR Rude smirked before running back inside.

Reno needed him.