Universe: FFX
Timeline: Post-Dissidia/Post X-2
Status: Established Relationship

Cloud ascended the steps to the Besaid temple, and walked to the right edge of the platform, overlooking the ocean. He breathed in deeply, letting his mind settle a little from all the excitement, even though the noise of Tidus' party was still clearly audible from the nearby tent. He didn't regret coming to Spira—he would never regret it, because he did enjoy seeing the world and meeting Tidus' friends, but mostly because Tidus had hoped he would come.

Tidus had asked in that quiet, timid little voice of his that he only used when he knew he was asking a question Cloud might not want to answer. He had used that tone so many times when they were getting to know each other, and had quickly learned that that tone made Cloud more willing to share things with him, albeit still somewhat reluctantly. This time, however, Cloud had a simple response: an unfaltering yes. He owed it to Tidus to experience his world, just as Tidus had done for him.

So, Tidus had gotten to work planning, and had promised there would only be a few people attending, and that it would only be a meet-and-greet, rather than a party. Of course, Tidus always put his all into everything, wanting everything he put his mind to to be the best it could possibly be. And so, instead of just his main group of friends, he invited Paine, because of course, he didn't want to leave her out when he'd invited Yuna and Rikku, too. But then, the other Gullwings had overheard, so Brother, and Buddy, and the rest of the crew had shown up. Needless to say, Cloud was uncomfortable being the cause for such a get-together, especially with a crowd that big, which was exactly why he was outside now.

Wakka, Lulu, Kimahri, Yuna, Rikku, Paine, Brother, Buddy, Cid, a couple of hypellos from the Gullwings' ship—a nice crowd, for sure, but with all the stories, and laughter, and questions directed at Cloud so he would feel welcome and included, it was getting to be a little much. So, Cloud had given a nod toward Tidus—their code that Cloud needed a break—and Tidus had given him a wink in return, letting him know he understood.

Now, Cloud was surprised when he heard footsteps approaching, especially when he knew from the sound that they weren't Tidus'. He looked to his right to see Lulu coming his way, her long, black dress trailing on the ground behind her. She gave Cloud a gentle smile as she proceeded up the steps to stand at his side, and Cloud smiled back before their gazes went to the water.

"It is getting a little loud in there, isn't it?" Lulu's voice was soft and gentle, and Cloud was grateful for it.

"A little. I'm just... not the best with crowds," Cloud admitted, and he could see Lulu smile again out of the corner of his eye.

"Yes, Tidus always has the best intentions, but doesn't tend to think things all the way through," the woman stated, sounding amused, and Cloud released a chuckle. It seemed she knew Tidus as well as Cloud did in that regard.

"Yeah, I know he just wants me to feel like I belong. I guess this was the only way he knew how to do that."

"It certainly seems to work out nicely for him. It's quite obvious he likes showing you off. He told us all about you before you even got here." That gentle amusement was still in Lulu's calm voice, and Cloud was soothed by the fact that someone else here was at ease with him—he who still felt like an absolute stranger.

"Yeah," Cloud chuckled again. "Tidus talks about me a little too much, I think."

"Perhaps," Lulu agreed. "Even some things we shouldn't know."

Cloud's heart stopped at the sound of those words, wondering what in Yevon's name Tidus had told them. Something about their personal life? About Cloud's past? What?

"Don't worry. He didn't say much, only... that you lost someone important to you," Lulu spoke up, again, hoping to put Cloud at ease, but her words did just the opposite. She felt Cloud tense up beside her, and he lowered his head. He remained speechless, but Lulu didn't let the silence last long.

"I only bring it up because I can relate. I lost someone as well, and it took me a long time to realize I was allowed to move on. Wakka's brother, Chappu, had planned to propose to me after battling Sin. Fate, however, had other plans," Lulu explained.

"I'm so sorry," Cloud said, turning his head slightly to look up at the woman beside him.

"As am I, for your loss."

"It... was a long time ago," Cloud assured her, but each aching beat of his heart reminded him of how fresh it still was. He closed his eyes a moment before turning them back toward the sea.

"I... don't think Tidus understands how sensitive a subject it is," Cloud divulged, feeling like he could trust this woman, as they shared this common ground. They had both lost a lover; not everyone knew what that was like.

"No, probably not."

"He tries, I know, but..."

"No matter how much we move on, or how much we love the person we have now built our lives with, our past remains with us. It is more distant, but never gone," Lulu explained, and Cloud felt so relieved in that moment to have someone else relay those feelings that he had for so long been feeling himself, but not knowing if they were appropriate or not.

He loved Tidus—by the moon and sun, he loved Tidus more than anything—but there would probably always be a broken part of him that Tidus couldn't touch. But if Lulu felt the same thing with Wakka, then maybe it was okay. Maybe that broken piece just made him who he was.

"I know exactly what you mean," Cloud nodded. They turned their heads again, blue eyes meeting red ones, and they smiled softly before their attention was caught by the gently moving waves.

"I know you say it was a long time ago, but if you ever need to talk..." Lulu offered.

"Thank you," Cloud smiled, softly. "I'll remember that."

Another pair of footsteps crunched across the gravelly earth. Cloud and Lulu turned in the direction of the tent to see Kimahri making his way forward. Cloud gave him a nod, although he was still slightly intimidated by the Ronso's towering form. Tidus had told him that Kimahri was one of the smaller ones of his race; Cloud found that awfully hard to believe.

"Tidus send Kimahri to check on Cloud. He said Cloud need someone quiet to be with him, and said that definitely not him," the Ronso spoke. Cloud expected his low voice to rumble the earth below, but it was gentle, like Lulu's. Cloud smirked at the comment before giving another glance at the woman beside him.

"Looks like someone beat you to it, but thank you, Kimahri," Cloud said, politely. Kimahri folded his arms, and looked down at Cloud with a gaze that was firm, but kind.

"Kimahri hear Cloud and Lulu talking. Ronso ears hear many things. Kimahri like Cloud. Cloud overcome many darknesses to be with Tidus. Cloud strong, Kimahri think."

Cloud's face was suddenly full of emotion, his heart so warm in that moment. To think that someone who had just met him could see all of that, could tell him in all honesty that he was strong... Cloud was overwhelmed.

"I hope you're right, Kimahri," he said, his voice almost cutting out, still struck by his new ally's kind words.

"Kimahri right about this," the Ronso confidently announced, before turning back toward the tent. He headed off, leaving Cloud and Lulu alone on the step.

"He is right," Lulu smiled, before heading off as well, and Cloud released a genuine smile, knowing that Tidus' efforts had worked perfectly in the end.

Cloud did belong here. He did.

A/N: Just managed to squeeze in one more chapter before the new year begins! Happy New Year, everybody! Thank you for all your support in 2019 :)