Universe: FFX (where FFVII people can cross worlds easily)
Timeline: Post-Dissidia (I guess. I never really thought about it)
Status: Established Relationship

Cloud's eyes shut tightly as the scene replayed in his mind for what seemed like the millionth time that day. His stomach flipped uncomfortably as the burly blitzball player from the opposing team charged toward Tidus. He saw Tidus move to kick the ball, his left leg straight out in front of him as the enemy player came at him from the right—a sickening crack as the opponent crashed into Tidus' leg, a piercing cry from Tidus as he tossed his head back in pain. Cloud hadn't seen or heard anything after that; he'd been on his feet and heading for the entrance to the sphere pool, knowing Tidus would be rushed out at any second.

Cloud shook his head to rid himself of the horrid memory, and opened his eyes to face the current situation. Tidus lay on a stretcher in front of him in the back of the locker room, waiting anxiously for the doctor to return with some news. Cloud folded his arms, and took in a deep breath. Tidus lay with an arm across his damp forehead. A couple of ice packs were wrapped around his left thigh and hip. Tidus stared at the ceiling, looking both disheartened and a little pale.

"I shoulda seen him coming," he spoke up, his voice low and shaky. His whole body was trembling from the shock, and Cloud wasn't sure how much longer he could stand to see him in such discomfort.

"You couldn't have known. He shouldn't have pulled something like that," Cloud frowned.

"Did he get disqualified?"

"Yeah, he did. Tifa texted me," Cloud replied. Tidus managed a weak smirk.

"Good."

The locker room door creaked open and Cloud and Tidus' attention flew towards the doctor as he proceeded to Tidus' side. He glanced between Tidus' hip and his clipboard, but didn't speak. Cloud swallowed uncomfortably, feeling the tension wrap around him like a snake, keeping him tight within its coils.

"Any news?" he asked.

"Well, the hip is definitely dislocated. We'll be putting it back in place within the next few minutes." Tidus cringed. He'd dislocated his shoulder before, and reconnecting it had been more painful than the injury itself. At least this time they'd probably drug him up a bit to lessen the ache.

"That's good news, right? Better than it being broken?" Cloud inquired, hopefully.

"You see, that's the thing. There are several fractured bones in the area, and it is a difficult area to cast. You're looking at several weeks of bed-rest, Tidus," the doctor explained.

"Weeks? But the tournament—" Tidus protested, pushing himself to sit up. That was a mistake. He cringed again as pain shot down his leg, and he felt Cloud's arms on his shoulders in a second, gently coaxing him to lie back down; he didn't object.

"I'm sorry, but playing in next week's tournament is out of the question," the doctor said. Tidus looked up toward Cloud, hoping he would plead with the doctor to reconsider, but Cloud simply shook his head.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, as he brushed a hand through Tidus' untidy hair. He wasn't about to argue with a medical expert.

There was no time to discuss the situation further as two nurses entered the locker room, and proceeded to the doctor's side.

"Mr. Strife, if you'll give us a minute?" the doctor asked.

"Oh, right." Cloud glanced at Tidus once more, and didn't know how he would tear himself away while the nurses did their work. Tidus' devastated expression, his saddened eyes, his downward tilted mouth—it all made it near impossible to leave him.

"Cloud," Tidus whispered, meekly, reaching for Cloud's fingers.

"I'll be right outside," Cloud assured him, squeezing his hand gently.

"Here you go." Cloud stood at Tidus' bedside, a wooden tray in his hands, covered in the assorted foods that his patient had requested. "Eggs sunny-side up, two pancakes, a milkshake with strawberry and banana, and... green jello with a cherry on top?"

"That's my order," Tidus replied, with a silly grin. "Just set it down on the table there." Cloud turned to his left and placed the tray on the nightstand. He suppressed a sigh as he stared at the other items that rested there: a half-drunk glass of water, a variety of painkillers, an icepack that had grown too warm to be of any use for now.

"You feeling any better?" Cloud asked, reaching an arm across the bed to gingerly caress Tidus' sore leg. The bedsheet was draped lightly over his thigh; his knee was bent, and uncovered.

"Now that you're here, I am," Tidus smirked, darting his head forward to steal a kiss from Cloud's lips. Cloud blinked in surprise, and turned his head toward his grinning partner. Cloud smiled softly, and leaned toward Tidus, giving him easier access to the affections he so desired. It wasn't long before Cloud felt hands on his waist, and he pulled away from the kiss with a sigh.

"Easy there. You're supposed to be resting up, remember?"

"I know, but I'm bored of just lying around. Besides, maybe a little exercise'll do me good," Tidus smirked, seductively raising his eyebrows.

"Tidus..." Cloud scolded.

"You're right. I'm sorry," Tidus sighed. "It's just killing me to be here when the rest of the team is out there in the tournament right now."

"I know," Cloud nodded, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. He trailed a hand over Tidus', and gently stroked each suntanned finger.

"I just want to get back in the game. Did the doc say how long 'til I can play again?" Tidus' eyes met Cloud's as he posed the question. His stomach flipped when Cloud's gaze quickly fell away.

"What is it? Did he say something to you?"

"It doesn't matter right now. Just rest, okay?" Cloud said, forcing a smile and pressing a kiss to his partner's forehead.

"Cloud?" Tidus asked again, his voice filled with obvious anxiety this time. Cloud met his sad, scared eyes, and found himself unable to withhold the information any longer.

"Listen, Tidus," Cloud started, his hand finding Tidus' once more. His eyes focused on their hands, instead of Tidus' unrelenting gaze. "You know there was a lot of damage to your hip."

"Yeah, I know," Tidus solemnly replied. "And?"

"And, the doctor said... Tidus, you won't be able to play blitzball anymore," Cloud admitted, the words tasting bitter on his tongue. He met Tidus' gaze again. Tidus eyes were shaky, like they couldn't focus. His jaw trembled as his mouth tried to find words—any words.

"N-never again?" Tidus choked out. Cloud remained still and silent as he tried to reply to Tidus' question with only the look in his eyes; he thought it might hurt less than words. To his surprise, Tidus let out a tiny chuckle.

"But once I heal, it'll be fine, right? I can play once I heal, right?" he babbled, somehow displaying a smile, but his forehead was still creased with worry.

"I'm sorry," Cloud replied, shaking his head. He could feel tears stinging his eyes when he saw the same shimmering beads in Tidus'. He leaned forward and pulled the shocked and speechless Tidus into an embrace. The younger remained still in Cloud's arms, his head resting tensely against a strong shoulder.

"B-but what else will I do?" he somehow managed to ask.

"Ssshhh," Cloud whispered, his fingers gently caressing Tidus' back. "Just rest. We'll figure it out. Promise."