A/N: I know the world is in upheaval right now, but I hope these chapters I uploaded today will be a little light in these dark times. Thank you to all readers for your continued support, and I hope you all stay safe and healthy. Take care!


Universe: Dissidia
Timeline: Dissidia

Status: Early Relationship

"I'm sure the ice caves were right around here," Cloud announced, drawing another line in the dirt with the twig he'd found in the back of the cavern; he'd been at this for quite some time now, trying to map out their location.

"Funny. Feels like we're still in them," Tidus chuckled, hoarsely. He was pressed up against Cloud's side as they sat along the cavern wall, still trying to use each other's body heat to warm up. The small fire that Cloud had prepared seemed to be doing the job a little better, though, mostly because Cloud seemed too shy to wrap an arm around Tidus at all.

And Tidus certainly wouldn't have been opposed to cuddling. They'd been dating for two weeks, but that only meant that they shared the occasional peck on the lips or cheek once in a while. They didn't tell the other members of Cosmos' army because they didn't want to distract themselves nor anyone else from their duties. Not to mention, they wanted to figure things out for themselves before they went and involved other people in their new relationship.

"Still cold?" Cloud asked, casting a glance down at Tidus, who stared up at him with wide, child-like eyes.

"Just a bit. 'S'okay. Keep going," Tidus said, giving a nod toward Cloud's map that he'd etched on the floor of the cavern. Despite how exhausted he looked, he still pushed forth that natural smile of his that Cloud had come to admire so much. Cloud wished he could imitate it, but he doubted his own attempts would ever be, or even appear, that genuine.

"Alright," Cloud agreed, growing silent again as he focused on his drawing. He stared at it for a long time, frowning as he tried to figure out the proper distance between locations, and scratching his head when he became frustrated. More than once, he pressed the twig into the dirt and sketched a few lines before realizing he was way off on his calculations, and scratching the whole thing away.

"Oof," was the quiet little sound Cloud let out as Tidus fell in against him. His head rested against Cloud's shoulder, the small action startling Cloud. The surprised look on his face faded as he looked down to stare at Tidus again, only to find him with his eyes closed and his mouth hanging open slightly. He was sound asleep, breathing softly against Cloud's pauldron, and Cloud let out a low chuckle as he watched him. He was glad that Tidus was at ease with him enough to let his guard down, and fall into a peaceful slumber like this. If only Cloud weren't so uptight.

Cloud was about to go back to his drawing, but the realization that he might wake Tidus if he moved his shoulder prevented him from doing so. He felt his arm stiffen as it continued to hold the twig, and he refused to let it budge an inch. What did people usually do in these situations? Wait for the other person to wake up? It had been a long time since Cloud had been this close to anyone, and even when he had, he'd never experienced anything like this. What was the proper protocol for someone falling asleep on your shoulder?

He almost let out a sigh, but thought better of it; that could disturb Tidus' sleep, too, and after the long trek through the freezing ice caves, he didn't want to interfere with his rest. No doubt he needed it. Besides, Cloud didn't want to do anything that might offend Tidus, or make him angry with him. He'd done enough stupid things to him in the past, and now that they'd finally forged enough trust to be together, the last thing Cloud wanted to do was ruin things by making a wrong move. Cloud would just stay still and wait it out. But that was easier said than done.

Waiting it out meant staying as still as he could, hardly even letting himself take in enough oxygen, so that Tidus could enjoy an interrupted sleep. Approximately, one hour and seven minutes later—not that Cloud was counting or anything—the young blitzballer stirred, his eyes scrunching closed for a moment before drifting open. Tidus stared up into blue eyes that he'd become quite fond of over the past few weeks, and smiled.

"Hey," he murmured, dozily.

"Hey," Cloud greeted.

"Sorry 'bout that. Didn't mean to snooze on ya. Hope I didn't drool," Tidus laughed, before letting out a yawn and pulling away. He sat up straight and stretched his arms above his head. When they came back down, so did his gaze; that was when he noticed the state of Cloud's earthen canvas.

"The map's not done?" Tidus quizzed, one brow popping upward while the other pushed into a frown.

"No, I— I didn't want to risk waking you," Cloud admitted, flushing slightly, when the truth had slipped from his mouth. He'd had half a mind of making up some other excuse, but he wasn't surprised he'd failed; he'd always been a terrible liar, despite the fact that he was a pro at keeping a straight face.

"So, you stayed still that entire time?"

"Yeah."

"And how long was I out?" Tidus sang.

"A good hour," Cloud shrugged. Tidus smirked at him, but there was also an adoring look in his eyes.

"Aw, that's sweet, but you coulda' moved, you know. I fell asleep on a shoopuf once, and let me tell you, those giant feet could make the whole earth shake!"

"O-oh. I didn't know you were such a sound sleeper," Cloud mumbled, looking quite embarrassed as he rubbed the back of his head. Tidus glanced again at the incomplete map on the ground, then back towards Cloud, who was still sitting faithfully by his side. Knowing it was often important for him to make the first move, he reached a hand over to Cloud's leg and patted gently.

"I still appreciate it. You're a keeper, for sure!" Tidus winked, flashing a toothy grin, and Cloud lowered his head as that smile became contagious. His own smile wasn't nearly as wide as Tidus', but it was a smile nonetheless.