Universe: FFX
Timeline: Post-Dissidia
Status: They had a somewhat established relationship during their time in Cosmos' world.

The quiet, almost timid-sounding knock on the door brought a confused look to Tidus' face. He certainly wasn't expecting any visitors, especially on a day like today. Reluctantly, he unravelled himself from his flannel blanket and hoisted himself up from his warm spot on the couch. The knock sounded again as Tidus strolled out of the living room and into the kitchen.

"I'm comin'," he assured the visitor. When he reached the door and pulled it open, his confusion didn't fade by any means, but at least now, it was mixed with pure disbelief and happiness.

"Cloud?" Tidus smiled, weakly, blinking in surprise. "How did you—"

"Cosmos. Although, she didn't warn me about how cold it would be here this time of year," Cloud smirked slightly.

Tidus analyzed Cloud more closely now that the initial shock had passed. His nose and cheeks were practically glowing red from the cold, his normally perfect spikes a little frizzy from the dampness of the snowflakes that melted upon them. His gloved hands were clasped tightly together in front of his chest, rubbing tenderly to produce some heat.

"Oh, uh, come in. Come in outta this weather," Tidus coaxed when he realized he'd probably been staring a little too long.

He held the door open for Cloud as he entered. Like the gentleman he always was, Cloud politely knelt down to undo his boots, and left them standing neatly on the mat by the door.

"Sorry for dropping in unannounced," he started, intending to say more, but his nerves stopped him just long enough for Tidus to jump in.

"Hey, no problem. Where did you come from, anyway? You look like you were freezing out there for a while," Tidus commented, reaching out to take Cloud's wet gloves. Cloud nodded gratefully, slipping the snow-covered garments off of his hands and passing them to his companion. Tidus placed them on the radiator with great care.

"When Cosmos transported me, I landed near this really long road, and I walked from there. Um, what did that merchant say it was called?"

"Mi'ihen?" Tidus inquired, lifting a brow.

"Yes, that was it!" Cloud said, snapping his cold, red fingers. Tidus smiled tenderly at Cloud, for the man seemed to be in brighter spirits than he was the majority of the time. Witnessing his jovial mood made Tidus laugh warmly.

"Oh man, that road sure is a long one, huh? And in the snow, too! Even worse!"

"That's for sure," Cloud agreed, with a soft smile of his own. "I wasn't even sure where to look for you. I don't know Spira at all, and I didn't know where you lived now. It was just luck that I ran into Yuna in town, and she said you were here in Luca." Tidus' expression changed to one of concern; it was minor, but definitely still present.

"You talked to Yuna?" Cloud hesitated.

"Yeah, why?"

"N-no reason, it's fine," Tidus assured him, bringing another smile to his lips. "Boy, where are my manners today? Come, sit down. The fire should warm you right up!" With a grin and a motioning arm, Tidus led Cloud into the next room: the living room.

It was a cozy, peaceful-looking room, with a soft leather couch and two velveteen chairs, each the same dark brown color. A small table accented each end of the sofa, and a lovely, green-leaved plant sat atop each one. Across from the sofa was a fireplace with white pillars on either side of it, completing what was already a beautiful living space.

Cloud didn't notice Tidus offering him the spot next to him on the couch, and when Tidus saw him placing himself at a more appropriate distance on one of the chairs, he slapped his arm back down to his side. Trying to ignore his suddenly burning cheeks, Tidus headed for the living room closet and grabbed another blanket from the shelf, then returned to Cloud's side with it.

"Here. This should help." Tidus' gentle eyes were enough to make Cloud accept the offer without protest.

"Thank you," Cloud said, giving him a smile that was small, but sincere.

Tidus was about to plop himself back down on the couch when another knock was heard from the kitchen.

"Did you bring the whole gang with you?" Tidus smirked, leaving Cloud chuckling as he headed for the door again.

"Not that I'm aware of." Cloud took this moment alone to make himself comfortable. He adjusted himself a little deeper in the chair before wrapping the blanket around his back and shoulders. He released a hum of contentment, but that feeling of relief that came from being in the safety of Tidus' home faded as he tuned in to the voices in the next room.

"Cloud was looking for you," came a female voice that Cloud instantly recognized.

"Yuna, I know. Cloud is here." Silence struck, and yet, Cloud swore he could sense Yuna's disapproval.

"And as far as I'm concerned, he can stay as long as he likes," sounded Tidus' soft, yet confident tone. Cloud shrank in his seat. He didn't hear what was said next, only the sound of the door gently shutting. Tidus entered the living room with a smile, as if nothing had happened, but that smile fell when he saw Cloud's expression.

"I knew she seemed off when I met her in town. She doesn't want me here," Cloud sighed, gaze low to the floor. "You must have told her. About us?" Tidus had to breathe in deeply before he could even consider speaking.

"When we got back from Cosmos' world, she just sort of knew that there was something up... with me. And eventually, yeah, I had to tell her that that thing was... me not being over you."

Cloud closed his eyes, and Tidus flew into fast-forward mode, saying words as quickly as they came to him, trying to convince Cloud that everything was okay, that Yuna didn't hate either of them, and that all they needed was some time. Cloud had but a simple response.

"I shouldn't have come. I'm only causing trouble for you and Yuna. I pushed her out of her own home." Tidus' eyes popped open at that last comment.

"Cloud? Yuna and I don't live together."

"You don't?" Finally, Cloud met Tidus' gaze again.

"No." Tidus shook his head softly.

"But... the furniture—" Cloud started, then snapped his mouth shut, realizing he was just announcing his disbelief that Tidus himself had gotten this place looking so nice.

"Pfft, you think I did all this?! I hired a decorator," Tidus shrugged, giving Cloud an amused but honest look. They shared a chuckle at that, and then came to another awkward silence. Tidus took a seat at the end of the couch nearest Cloud, and draped an arm over the armrest.

"No, Yuna doesn't live here. In fact, Yuna and I... haven't been together for a while," he sighed.

"Because of me?" Cloud had to ask. Tidus shot him a look, one that commanded he not even think about blaming himself.

"Because my feelings changed. Unfortunately, hers still haven't," Tidus explained. Cloud went silent again, his line of vision heading towards the fire now, where he gazed blankly into the flames.

"Cloud, I think I do have to ask... Why did you come here?"

"I don't know," Cloud monotonously replied, though his voice was weak. "I think I just needed to know that you were okay after that last battle. I mean, we both had our share of bruises, but..."

"Cloud?" That sweet innocence in Tidus' voice pulled Cloud's gaze toward him again. "I never stopped thinking about you, either."

Cloud released a smile and a hum, one that sounded like it could have been a contented laugh. Tidus leaned a little further over the armrest, giving Cloud his most understanding expression.

"We don't have to talk about this right now if you don't want to. Settle in a bit. Thaw out your poor hands," he smiled, almost shyly.

"You sure you want me to stay?" Cloud's eyes actually looked uncertain when they met Tidus', but the younger boy didn't know why.

"We had a connection in Cosmos' world. I don't think that connection went anywhere, do you?" he grinned, and that finally made Cloud relax again. Even if they didn't fully know where their relationship stood right now, or what it really meant, those words, at least, did make perfect sense.

"So, I was about to watch a blitzball sphere. You wanna watch it with me?"

"A sphere?" Cloud questioned, quirking a brow.

"Oh, I think it's what you would call a movie."

"Ah," Cloud nodded, understanding now. "Sure, I'll watch."

"Great!"

Tidus got up from his seat and went to the back of the room, flicking the lights off and fiddling with a blue, orb-like device that Cloud couldn't really get a good look at from where he was sitting. Tidus returned to his seat before Cloud had long to wonder about it, and he scooted to the far end of the couch this time. He patted the seat beside him, shooting Cloud a timid and fleeting glance.

"This seat is free, if you want it." Cloud smiled gently, abandoning his embarrassment and taking the courageous plunge. Still wrapped in his blanket, he got up from the chair and moved to the open spot on the couch, exchanging a soft look with Tidus.

"We're picking up where we left off, I take it?" Cloud asked, smiling as a projection started to play on the wall above the fireplace. He felt a familiar warmth scoot in against his side, and Tidus' head came to gently rest upon his shoulder, his body heat taking away the last of Cloud's chill.

"If that's okay," Tidus said, voice quiet, questioning eyes glancing up at Cloud. Cloud released another tender smile, and Tidus drew his eyes back to the projection. Cloud leaned his head against Tidus', their hands finding each other's without a word.

"'S'okay with me," Cloud peacefully whispered.