Universe: FFX
Timeline: Post-Dissidia
Status: Established Relationship

Cloud stepped out into the sunshine, raising a hand to his eyes to block the bright rays of the sun that shone over the rebuilt city of Zanarkand. He closed the front door behind him, and looked to see Tidus sitting on the step as usual, but today, something was off. Tidus' posture was slouched, his elbows folded on his knees, and his chin resting on his arms.

"You okay?" Cloud asked. Tidus' stern expression softened at the mere sound of that gentle voice.

"Yup," Tidus replied, in a tone that wasn't fooling anyone. Cloud sat down with a sigh, and reached into his pocket, retrieving a piece of paper.

"This was on the kitchen table. Is this the reason you're upset?" Cloud asked, unfolding the paper and holding it up for Tidus to see, but Tidus hardly turned his head. He opened his mouth, not wanting to ignore Cloud when he was trying to help, but he ended up burying his face deeper against his arms when he couldn't find the right words.

"Wakka invited you to go see him. And Lulu and the baby. Aren't you gonna go?" Cloud asked, tucking the letter back into his pocket.

"I don't know. Everyone else is probably gonna be there, too, and I... guess I don't feel so welcome anymore," Tidus said. His voice was low, sad, like it was whenever he and Cloud talked together about their pasts. Cloud's heart ached when he sounded like that. It was just so... not Tidus.

"Tidus, I don't think Wakka would have invited you if he thought for a second that you wouldn't be welcome," Cloud frowned. Tidus sighed, and Cloud moved in a little closer to him for support. Tidus seemed to relax at the contact, and he sank towards Cloud.

"I just feel like... to them, I'll always be the guy who broke Yuna's heart," Tidus explained, the solemness in his voice making Cloud's stomach churn, but he refused to let Tidus remain miserable—after all, Tidus wouldn't have given up on him had their positions been reversed.

Cloud reached for Tidus' arm, pulling him out of his slumped over position. His hand travelled down to reach Tidus', and he linked their fingers together.

"You're also always gonna be the guy who healed mine," Cloud said, eyes gleaming with gratitude. He paused to let the words sink in. Tidus' gaze shot toward him, his mouth open in shock—a pleasing sort of shock.

"And in time, your friends are going to see that, too," Cloud promised. Tidus' mouth twitched into a smile as Cloud raised their linked hands. He brought them to his mouth and kissed each of Tidus' knuckles, and Tidus released a much needed sigh, feeling a lot better; he always did after a sappy speech like that from Cloud.

"How did you get to be such a good cheerer-upper?" Tidus asked, his lips fully forming a smirk now. Cloud met it with a genuine smile.

"I learned from the best," he said, softly.


A/N: Wow, I just have to take a moment to say we made it to Chapter 50! Thank you, readers, for sticking with me all this time :D Don't worry, I've still got piles and piles of oneshots about these cuties to upload, so look forward to the chapters ahead! Also just want to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year! *Tidus and Cloud throw confetti around you!* Have a great one :)