8 years ago

It was a cloudy day in Nibelheim. The teenage Cloud was finishing up his walk in the forest. He always loved walking through the woods because of how isolated it was. He didn't really get along with the other kids in town, so, he found tranquility within the woods. He had even set up his own little camp there. A place to escape to for a little while whenever he felt overwhelmed. It's also the place he kept his music sheets hidden away. No one knew his love for songwriting, and he planned on keeping it that way. People made fun of him enough.

He started to hike back to town when he noticed the clouds changing. It had been overcast all day, but the clouds had started to thicken, the color becoming a deep grey; the smell of rain filled his senses. Looks like something is forming within them.

As he emerged from the woods, Tifa ran up to him. Tifa was the only other teenager he talked to in town. She seemed genuine and she didn't ignore him as the other kids did. She was really pretty too. He knew the other boys hated him for being close to her.

"Cloud! I was about to go get you. There's supposed to be a storm rolling in" She pointed to the clouds rolling in above the mountains.

Cloud nodded, "I saw the clouds thickening"

She smiled at him, "Come on, it's dinnertime. My parents asked me to invite you"

Although the offer was tempting, his mother still probably thought he was still in the woods. "I think I should have dinner at home, my mom is probably wondering where I am"

Tifa nodded her head, "You're right, if anything she's probably already swung by my house, checking to see if you're there"

It's true. His mother would become worried if he was gone for more than an hour, especially if the weather was changing for the worse.

He and Tifa walked through town towards their houses. The had lived close to each other, nearly neighbors. However, Tifa's house was located at the bottom of the hill and Cloud's was on the top. He first walked Tifa to her house and greeted her parents. As Tifa said, they invited him for dinner, however, he told them just as he told Tifa; he had to go home to his mother. They told him to say hi to her for them. Cloud nodded and made his way up the hill to his house. The clouds that were hovering above the mountain were now rolling into town. The large tree placed next to his house swayed back and forth as the wind pushed it around. He could hear the rumbling of the thunder forming in the clouds.

"Mom!" Cloud called out as he entered through the front door. The smell of food was in the air.

"Cloud, oh thank goodness, I was getting worried" His mom emerged from the kitchen, wearing an apron. She was finishing up making dinner. She had the same blonde hair like him, however, hers wasn't spiked like his. He had no idea where he inherited this spiked hair.

"Sorry, I got distracted…but I noticed the clouds changing to I started to come back. Ran into Tifa on my way back. Her parents told me to tell you they said hi"

His mom smiled, "Well that's very nice of them, I'll make something for them for you to bring by sometime. But come on" she beckoned him to the kitchen, "Dinner's ready"

He walked into the kitchen, a widespread of food was laid out on the table. All his favorites. Both he and his mother sit at the table and began to eat dinner.

As they eat, a gentle pitter-patter started to be heard. Rain had started to fall. Became stronger as time went on, the wind blowing the rain in multiple directions.

"Thanks, mom," Clouds said as he finished his food. His mom was also finishing hers.

She smiled, "Go get showered up and ready for bed. You've been out all day. Don't worry about helping me out"

"…Are you sure? I don't mind helping with the dishes" Cloud usually would help with clean up anyway.

"No, no, go get washed up now," She said, pushing Cloud out of the kitchen.

Cloud looked back into the kitchen, his mom was already clearing the table. He sighed and made his way up the stairs and into the bathroom to get showered.

He turned on the water and stripped his clothes as he waited for the water to warm up. When he deemed it warm enough, he stepped into the shower. As he showered, his mind started to wander. He had school tomorrow. All his homework was done, nothing to worry about. However, that wasn't why he thought about school. Cloud had a crush on a fellow student who was a year above him. His name was Sephiroth and was one of the top students in the whole school. He had medium-length silver hair and beautiful sea-green eyes. Cloud's been trying to get his attention throughout high school. He studied hard to get the best grades, made the top of his class, made top 5 in his grade, and even made the top 20 in the whole school. He'd linger in the areas he'd know the boy passed by.

He's met eyes with the student every so often and even smiled at him, but the boy never said anything to him. Maybe Cloud just had to approach him and just say something. Sephiroth would be graduating this year, he didn't have much time left. He knew what college Sephiroth was going to, Midgar Performing Arts. One of the best schools for music in the whole country. Sephiroth had a beautiful voice, he had heard it before when he was walking by the music room. It's no wonder the silver-haired boy got accepted. Cloud planned on applying there as well, however, it was unlikely he'd be accepted, but it doesn't hurt to just apply anyway. So, bottom line, he'd try to talk to Sephiroth now or just forget about this crush of his.

Cloud finished his shower and stepped out, drying himself off and pulled some fresh clothes on. He was finishing drying his hair when suddenly a loud boom of thunder caused him to jump. He could hear the roar from the storm, seemed to have gotten stronger while he was in the shower. Thunder didn't particularly scare him, but the loud crash that rung through the house worried him.

'That wasn't thunder…' Cloud thought to himself. He wasn't sure what that sound was, but it didn't sound like anything good. Worry started to wash over him, and he stormed out of the bathroom.

The storm sounded much louder than it should. Almost as if it was raining in the house. He turned the corner and rushed down the stairs. However, as he got further down the stairs, something wasn't right. The whole lower level was glowing orange, and there was a heat that radiated straight to his face.

Cloud's breathing started to quicken; the smoke that was wafting through the air was being sucked into his lungs. He coughed violently and hunched forward. He placed his hand on the wall to steady himself and carefully guided himself around the corner where the kitchen would be.

His eyes widened at the sight. A large tree was laying in the kitchen, seems to have fallen onto the house given the large gash in the wall. That's why the rain had sounded so loud… However, the tree—the tree was burning. Engulfing the whole area around it in its flames… Wait… his mom was in the kitchen…

"M—Mom…." Cloud tried to voice, but the smoke that entered his lungs made it hard for him to say anything.

He moved closer to the area, "Mom!" He tried yelling louder. He couldn't get his breathing to steady. He didn't care if more smoke got in his lungs. He franticly ran into the flames, his arms shielding him from the heat. But the flames still burned at his skin.

"M—Mom!" He searched and searched trying to find any sort of glimpse of her. Maybe she wasn't here…maybe she had gotten out of the kitchen before the tree fell.

However, that was wishful thinking.

Cloud saw her blonde hair, her face towards the floor…her body buried underneath the tree…

"M—Mom…" he choked out.

This has to be a dream…

He approached the body and moved his hand into hers, "Mom…"

Her hand weakly gripped his own, "Cloud…"

Cloud's eyes widened, she wasn't dead, "Mom! We got to get you out!" He tried pushing the tree, but he jerked his hands back as the flames burned the palm of his hands.

He started to become frustrated, kicking the tree. Tears flowing down his face, there had to be something he could do, anything.

"Cloud…" she weakly voiced. She did her best to reach out for her son, which grabbed his attention.

"…Mom" His voice broken, tears streaming down his face.

She carefully moved her head to look up at him. And…she smiles, "Cloud, you need to get out of here…"

Cloud violently shakes his head, "I'm not leaving you!"

"Cloud…I…I'm not getting out of this…it's okay…alright…you're—you're a strong boy…my son…"

Tears kept stinging his eyes, clouding his vision. "Mom—I—I need you…"

She held back her tears, "It—It's okay, everything will be okay, alright. I believe in you"

"M—" Cloud was interrupted by a voice.

"Cloud! Claudia!"

The silhouette of a man appeared in Cloud's vision. He couldn't tell who it was because of the smoke. But by the sound of his voice, maybe it was Tifa's father.

"Cloud!" The man grabbed Cloud and threw him over his shoulder and rushed out of the flames.

"W—Wait! My mom, she's still in there!" Cloud frantically let out.

The man rushed Cloud outside the burning house and placed Cloud somewhere safe, "We'll search for her, just stay put, Tifa will be here to get you out of the area, alright. Just stay put" Tifa's father rushed back into the building. Cloud noticed the fire department had arrived.

Since when did they get here?

"Cloud!" Tifa rushed towards him, "Thank God you're okay" she pulled him into an embrace and observed him for any injuries. His arms and hands were a little burned but nothing serious.

Cloud doesn't register Tifa. Just stared at the burning home in front of him. Orange, so much orange. The flames raging despite the rain falling. His breath quickened. This isn't a dream…

"I—I—" his breath became erratic and he's gasping for air.

Tifa quickly pulled back, "Cloud! Calm down, it's okay!"

But it's not okay.

His mom was still in there.

His home was burning.

He can't hear Tifa, his head felt like it was going hollow, all the noise echoing in him.

His mind started to go black. He felt like he was falling. Before everything darkens, he caught a glimpse of silver hair. The boy's expression looked…worried? He was rushing towards him and Tifa…

Suddenly his mother emerges from the darkness his mind was slipping into, and it's as though he can feel her gentle touch, "I love you, never forget that…"

Cloud scrunched his eyes and opened one before opening the other. There were bright LED lights glaring in his eyes and an equally bright white ceiling.

Where am I?

He heard the beeping of a machine near him. He gently turned his head, seemed to be a heart monitor. Must be the hospital. He noticed someone's hand resting on him.

"Tifa…" he croaked out.

Tifa shifted around waking up. When she noticed Cloud was awake, her eyes lit up. "Cloud! How are you feeling?" she asked observing him.

"I feel okay…how long was I out for?"

"Only a day. The doctor said you inhaled to much smoke, but he said you'd be fine"

That's right…there was a fire. The memories flowed back into his mind made him shudder and break out into a cold sweat.

"Cloud?" Tifa looked worried.

"I—I'm fine, but…" he trailed off, not sure if he wants to know, "My mom…"

Tifa's face saddened and she reached for Cloud's hand, gently caressing it. "Cloud…listen…"

Cloud took a deep breath. He knew it couldn't be good. He saw her underneath that tree…he tried to convince himself that everything was going to be fine, but he knew that was just wishful thinking.

"She…she didn't make it" She tried to hold back her tears. She knew how much Cloud cared about his mom. Claudia was always nice to her as well, always treated her as her own daughter.

"Oh…" there wasn't much of a response from Cloud. So, mom…wasn't here anymore? She…she's really gone? He can't imagine it…he doesn't want to imagine it. His mind started spiraling in an endless loop. He couldn't grasp his own emotions. He couldn't even cry….He couldn't do anything…

How could he be so…useless? Pitiful? He hated it.

Tifa couldn't tell what he was thinking. His face went blank and he seemed to have gotten lost in his mind. As she was about to say something, Tifa's father walked into the room, removing his hat.

"Cloud…" His voice was soft and comforting, pulled Cloud's attention, "It's good to see you're awake now"

"…Yeah" was all Cloud managed to let out.

Tifa's father took a breath, "I'd rather not do this now, but I'm going to need to tell you eventually…My wife and I have decided to take guardianship over you since you're still underage. I know it may be difficult adjusting to a new environment. But please know that we all care about you, we've always thought of you as family…you and Claudia both. Also, I've explained the situation to the school. If you need time, they're giving you the option to do your classes remotely. Tifa can gather anything you need from your teachers"

Cloud thought it over. He didn't feel like going to school, but he didn't want to appear weak like he couldn't handle it. "It's fine, I can go to school"

Tifa's father frowned, "Are you sure?"

Cloud nodded, "It's fine, I'm fine"

Tifa's father reluctantly took Cloud's word, "…Alright. The doctor said you're okay to return—be discharged today. My wife is making dinner later. You both feel free to take your time coming back". He exited the room leaving Tifa and Cloud alone once again.

"Cloud…you sure you're okay? It's okay if you need to take time off, no one will think lowly of you"

"It's fine Tifa" he sighed.

"Alright… I'll gather your stuff and we'll head back"

They clear the hospital room and head to Tifa's house…his new home. Dinner was fine, everyone talked to him normally. Tifa's family had given him the guest room. He arranged his stuff but made sure not to make it similar to his old room. He had to wake up early for school tomorrow.

Everything'll be fine.

His day at school was ordinary, nothing different. His teachers interacted with him differently, like they were trying to be cautious, but his peers treated him the same. Not that they interacted with him that much. If anything, most of his peers didn't like him too much. However, one thing did stand out to him and wasn't sure as to how to deal with the change.

Sephiroth seemed to linger in areas that he would often pass by. Sure, maybe it was a coincidence, but it's usually Cloud who sought out Sephiroth.

After weeks pass, Sephiroth eventually approached him while he was placing his books in his locker.

"Cloud…"

He jumped at the voice. He looked back and forth, was Sephiroth really talking to him?

"Y—Yes?" He nervously said, unable to look the silver-haired boy in the eye.

"I just wanted to know if you're doing alright…" Sephiroth leaned against the locker and gazed at the blonde, a worried look in his eyes, "I saw the fire that night…it was…terrifying, to see the house burning atop the hill. I ran up there as fast as I could, and I saw you with Tifa outside of the house in the rain. Seemed like you were losing consciousness. I was surprised to see you at school that week"

Cloud squinted his eyes. Had Sephiroth been there? He does remember someone rushing to him as he started losing consciousness. "Don't worry, I'm alright…" At this point, he had told himself that he was alright so many times that his mind eventually believed it, despite whether it was true or not.

Sephiroth nodded, "That's good"

There was an uncomfortable silence. Was Cloud supposed to say something? He's never spoken to Sephiroth. He never would've imagined he would care about his well-being…

"You have lunch right now?" Sephiroth asked.

Cloud looked up at him surprised and nodded his head.

"…You wanna eat together?" the boy asked.

Oh my god…was this really happening.

Cloud agreed to lunch with Sephiroth. After that, the two of them became closer. They were almost always found together. Sephiroth always kept Cloud close whenever possible. They found a common interest in music. Cloud always knew that Sephiroth was a great singer, but he was surprised to find out that they had similar tastes in music. Eventually, Cloud let it slip that he was planning on applying to the same school Sephiroth had gotten accepted into.

Sephiroth seemed surprised at first, but his face softened, and he smiled at Cloud. "I look forward to seeing you there then" was all the boy said.

Cloud's heart fluttered. Going to the same college as Sephiroth would be wonderful…

Eventually, the day came for Sephiroth to graduate. Cloud had attended the graduation and met up with Sephiroth after the ceremony.

"Congratulations!" Cloud greeted as he approached the boy.

"Cloud, I'm glad you came"

"Of course, I wouldn't miss this for anything…" Cloud looked over at the green athletic field, "Guess you'll be leaving soon"

Sephiroth inched closer to the blonde, "Do not worry, I'll keep in touch with you"

Cloud lit up, "Really?"

"Of course," Sephiroth leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek.

Cloud blushed, placing his hand on the place the boy had kissed, "W—what…"

Sephiroth smiled, "I look forward to seeing you there"

"Y—Yeah…"

2 years later

Sephiroth sat in the upper music room, drafting out ideas for a project. At this point, his hair had grown significantly. No longer the shoulder-length hair he had in high school. His hair reached the middle of his thighs. He was currently wearing it in a ponytail.

"Sephiroth," a man with equally as silver hair called out to him grabbing Sephiroth's attention.

"Kadaj," he flatly said, "Do you need something?"

"Have you heard about the new freshman coming in?"

Sephiroth raised an eyebrow. He never paid attention to the new students coming in. However, this year, Cloud would be starting his first semester. During the time between now and high school, he and Cloud had started dating. At some point, he found himself getting invested in Cloud and truly loved his presence. Cloud just had some sort of effect on him, a relaxing effect maybe. All he knew was that he wanted the blonde to himself, so he ended up asking Cloud into a romantic relationship.

"No, I don't usually pay attention to any of that"

"Well apparently one of them got a full-ride scholarship. He had passed the auditions with flying colors and impressed the chancellor," Kadaj explained, "I think you've got some competition"

Sephiroth hummed. The thought that the person was Cloud popped in his head but quickly dismissed it. Not to be rude or anything, but Cloud didn't seem to have that musically talented aura about him. Passionate, yes; but, gifted, no.

"I'm sure whoever it is, they won't be much of a problem," Sephiroth said confidently.

Kadaj hummed in agreement. He honestly couldn't imagine someone over shadowing Sephiroth. He was the school's prized student.

Time passed and Cloud safely got past his first year of school. He was now starting his second year. He and Sephiroth would sometimes meet up on campus and work on homework together. Since they've both become busy, their interactions almost felt business-like most of the time.

Cloud got through his first round of classes unscathed. Apparently, there's a big show the school holds at the end of each year. His professors had talked him into performing a song. They said big people from the music industry will be there looking for talented performers. Cloud was at first reluctant to it, but he eventually agreed on it. He loved music, it's what he wanted to do for a living. He remembers his mom saying how talented he was. He didn't think much of it before, coming from his mom, he thought it was just her being kind to her son. But now—now he was starting to believe it. He had gotten so far on his own. He got the full scholarship, his peers regarded him highly and his professors saw something special in him. He's sure his mom was smiling down at him right now.

He scheduled to have the practice room to himself to practice his song for the show. He took a seat in front of the grand piano and placed his music sheets in front of him. He played the notes he wrote and edited anything he felt needed to be changed. Over time he added words on top of it. He played through the music carefully constructing it so that the emotions would be properly presented. Cloud was so engrossed in it all that he didn't notice Sephiroth enter the room.

Sephiroth stared at him, wide-eyed, "Cloud…did you write this?"

At this point, Cloud had already stopped playing. He's never had Sephiroth listen to him play or sing. He was too nervous, what if Sephiroth thought he was terrible?

Cloud nodded his head, "Yeah…it's just something I've been putting together for the show at the end of the year"

"Oh…" Sephiroth approached him and took a seat next to him on the bench, glancing over the music sheet, "It's very good. Why haven't you showed me before?"

The tone in Sephiroth's voice was unlike any he's heard before, he's not sure if that's good or bad. "I don't know…was just afraid to maybe"

"Afraid? Why would that be? Cloud, this is amazing. I didn't know you had such a talent for songwriting"

Sephiroth remembered what Kadaj said last year. There was a freshman who was enrolled that received a full scholarship…was that person really…

"Cloud," Sephiroth started, "Was it you who got accepted with the full ride?"

"Ah…" Cloud twiddled his thumbs, "Yeah…sorry for not saying anything. I just didn't want to boast about it". Cloud looked up at Sephiroth and was taken aback by his actions. Sephiroth had pulled him into an embrace, but it wasn't like any other. Usually, Sephiroth was graceful and gentle whenever he embraced Cloud. However, this time, there was something rough and forced about this embrace.

"Sephiroth…" Cloud asked, trying to push the man off him and get a read on his expression.

Sephiroth pulled back, his eyes giving a fake smile, or so it seemed, "Cloud, you think you can write me something?"

"Huh? Write you something?" Cloud's never thought about writing for anyone. Honestly, it didn't interest him, "I'll think about it"

Sephiroth frowned then placed a kiss on Cloud's lips. Once again, there was something rough about the exchange, "Come on Cloud, just this one-time"

Cloud sighed, "I said I'd think about it"

Sephiroth pulled back once again, "…Alright, but can I watch over your practices?"

Cloud felt a drop in his stomach, as if something wasn't right. But he's known Sephiroth for years and they've been dating for at least 2 years now, he was just feeling hypersensitive. Yeah, that's what it was.

"Sure, just try not to distract me so much"

Sephiroth nodded, "Of course, work is work"

The end of the year grew closer, meaning it was almost time for the show. Sephiroth had come in to watch Cloud's practices as often as he could. He would never say anything, just watch. However, the way he would watch made Cloud nervous. Sephiroth's eyes were always stern, almost as though he was analyzing and taking in every aspect of his practices. Overall, there was a huge shift in the way Sephiroth treated Cloud. Everything was always rough, and he was always trying to coerce Cloud into something. Always saying something like I've done this for you, so why can't you do this for me? It never sat well with Cloud, be he always let it slide. Thinking that maybe he really had to give something in return.

Cloud was getting ready for his performance. He was hoping Sephiroth would be here to cheer him on, but he had texted Cloud earlier saying something came up. He entered the stage and all the lights pointed at him. The piano sat in the middle of the stage and he took a seat on the stool in front of the keys. He couldn't see the audience very well because of the blinding lights. He took a deep breath and began to perform. Everything went smoothly, the way his fingers effortlessly glided across the keys, executing every note perfectly. He sang with confidence, projecting his voice just loud enough that it could be heard, but gentle enough that he was able to keep his breathy tone. Once he finished his performance. He took a deep breath, proud that he was able to execute his performance exactly as he intended.

He stood up from the stool and bowed to the audience. However, there was no applause. His heart sank, was it not that good?

"Cloud Strife" the chancellor entered the stage, approaching Cloud, a deep frown on his face.

"Lazard sir—" Cloud was about to bow before he was interrupted.

"Save it. Can you explain to me what the meaning behind all this is?" His voice was stern, anger lingered in his voice.

What's going on? Why was Lazard angry? Had he done something wrong? "I—I'm not quite sure what you mean, sir…"

The man scoffed, "Are you sure? Because the whole audience seems to know exactly what's going on"

Cloud flipped his head to the audience. And there they were, murmuring amongst themselves, glaring at him.

Cloud broke out into a cold sweat. Why? Why was this happening? He had done so well, "I—I really don't know what's going on—I only performed my—"

"Your song? Are you seriously going to tell me you wrote this song?" Lazard sneered, "Sephiroth wrote this song and you want to tell me you wrote it? I do not tolerate plagiarism"

What? That's not right? Why does he think Sephiroth wrote this song? "What are you talking about, I wrote it, I have the music sheets!" Cloud became frantic; he didn't understand why he was being accused of plagiarism.

"Would you cut the act. Sephiroth had come to his professors for input on his performance for this song"

What?

What the fuck does that mean?

He didn't.

He—

He wouldn't…

"Now because of this deplorable act, I'm afraid we're going to have to revoke your scholarship as well as expel you from the school"

Now that pulled Cloud back to reality, "What?! You're just gonna take his word just like that?! I have the original music sheet!"

Lazard squinted his eyes, "I'm aware you have incredible talent Strife, but Sephiroth is one of our top students. I find it hard to believe he'd do such a thing. However, if what you say is true, then please bring the evidence to my office no later than 6 pm tonight. If you're not in time, then your punishment stands"

Cloud stormed off the stage, immediately making his way to his apartment. In the meantime, he tried to wrap his head around whatever the hell was going on. Why would Sephiroth perform his song to the professors? What sort of excuse could he possibly have? Why would he even do something like that? He knew how hard Cloud worked in writing that song.

Many questions circled Cloud's mind up until he reached his apartment complex. However, he didn't make it to his unit. He found Sephiroth in the parking lot with a few sheets of paper in his hands.

Are those what I think they are…

Cloud rushed over to him, "Sephiroth! What are you doing?!"

In Sephiroth's hands were Cloud's music sheets, but those were locked in his apartment.

"Did you break into my place?" Cloud asked. He didn't understand any of it. This wasn't the Sephiroth he grew up with, this isn't the Sephiroth that he grew to loved…

"Had to get rid of any kind of evidence," was all the silver-haired man said.

"Wait what? So, you really…you really claimed the song as your own? How could you? I thought—" Cloud was at a loss, how could he do such a thing after they had been dating for so long, after all the times they spent together…how could Sephiroth just take it all and throw it out as if it meant nothing to him.

"Oh, Cloud. You made a promise to me remember?"

Promise? What promise? "What are you talking about?"

"That night we spent together, and you were begging me to stop. I said I would if you promised"

Cloud rummaged through his memories. He remembered that night, things got steamy, and one thing lead to another. Eventually, Cloud couldn't take anymore, far overstimulated and something about the whole ordeal scared him. He didn't want to do it anymore. He remembered what Sephiroth had told him then…

"Cloud, I'll stop, but only if you write me a song for the end of the year, alright?"

"Fine, fine, just please…this is scaring me…"

Cloud gasped, "Are you serious?! That was just—you were being serious?!"

Sephiroth shrugged, "You never ended up writing me the song, so I just took the one you were working on, that's all"

"That's all?" His frustration and anger started turning into denial, "That's all you say? What about the times we spent? How could you do something like this to me? Do you know what the chancellor thinks of me now? I'll have to drop everything! I just…I just wanted to make music…but you…you took everything…Just give me back my sheets!" Cloud tried to snatch the paper from Sephiroth's hands but had no luck.

Instead, Sephiroth pulled out a lighter and set the sheets alight. He threw the burning pile in front of Cloud. Cloud flinched back, the flames reminding him of his burning home. Remembering how difficult it was to breathe, the orange glow reflecting off the walls of his home….his mother beneath the burning tree…

"N—no…stop" Cloud's breath hitched, and his mind started to go blank.

"Ah, forgot flames make you remember that time," the man joked. "You should've just wrote me something in the first place. I wouldn't have had to make things this bad"

"I—I thought…you loved me…" Cloud said, slumping down to his knees.

"Cloud of course, but how could you have hidden such a talent from me? You could've made me famous. With you creating songs for me, you could've lived a better life. But you refused to write for me." He shook his head and walked towards Cloud and gripped the blonde's jaw, forcing him to look up at him, "However, if you agree to sit quietly and write for me now…You'll at least be spared from the ridicule you'll receive"

"And have you claim those songs as your own," Cloud said, anger and betrayal reflected in his eyes.

Sephiroth shrugged, "Doesn't sound so bad"

"Fuck you…can't believe you..you—" Tears started flowing down his face. He hated this. The last thing he wanted to do was cry, he didn't need to look any more pathetic than he already did.

Sephiroth sighed, releasing Cloud as he stood up, "How disappointing. But well I guess this is a fitting ending. You'll never be able to set foot in the music industry again after this. Plagiarism—it's disgusting, don't you think?" he smirked, "But take this as a reminder, you're only good for writing music. Do you think you could make it in the industry? Please, you're a mess; you have no confidence and your voice is mediocre at best. Quite pitiful if you ask me, to think I dated you for this long, but I guess this is the end for now. I'll look for you in the future, you'll write my songs whether you want to or not"

With that Sephiroth left leaving Cloud to watch the flames as they died out.

So, this was it…there wasn't anything left…he can't go back to school, everyone knows about the deplorable act he supposedly committed…

Weeks passed, then months. Eventually, a whole year had gone by since having his dream stripped from him, since the person he considered his lover trampled over him.

Cloud never went back to school after that day. How could he? Just to be ostracized further? It wasn't worth it. How could he even think he was worth being more…? There wasn't anything in the first place. He should have never tried to be something better. He should've known his place…Sephiroth was right…he never had what it took…

Cloud only left his apartment when he needed to restock on necessities, however, even that became tiring at a certain point. What's the point of any of it? What was he even living for? He couldn't even do the one thing he loved anymore… He tried to write music countless times, but every time, he'd just stare at the paper, remembering what Sephiroth had told him. Worthless.

He'd tug at his hair every time, begging everything to stop, wishing he was different. Cursed himself for who he was. Cursed his shitty life for all it was worth. He hated all of it. Wanted it all to end. No one would've cared anyway….

That's right…

No one…no one would care.

Cloud got up; his eyes blank. He didn't have to put up with any of it. He never had to. He could just end it all whenever he wanted to. What was he holding onto in the first place? There wasn't anything left anyway. There wasn't anything to live for, no purpose, no dream…he was just a breathing corpse at this point, and it was tiring dragging his lifeless soul around.

He forced himself out of his apartment and to a nearby corner store. He lifelessly browsed through the shop, finally cornering on what he was looking for, a bag of charcoal. He brought it to the clerk. She looked up him worriedly but didn't say anything. Why would she say anything anyway? Not like she knew him.

He returned to his apartment and turned on a burner on his stove. He placed a pan on it, then poured the entire bag of charcoal in it, not caring if some of the pieces missed the pan. He rested himself on his bed, allowing the fumes from the charcoal to fill the unit.

Cloud felt himself slowly become lightheaded, blackness clouding his eyes the longer the charcoal burned.

Cloud

…Cloud

You can't give up like this…

He heard someone calling out to him, but he felt himself slipping, he didn't want to reach out for the hand. But something about the plea in the woman's voice made him think…

Maybe someone would be sad to see him go…

Tifa had made it a habit to check on Cloud periodically. Ever since she discovered what Sephiroth had done. She was furious and wanted to pummel the man into the ground, but Cloud told her to let it go. Saying it wasn't worth it.

She noticed Cloud growing more and more tired over time. His movements becoming more sluggish and he'd rarely remove himself from his dark apartment. She knew she had to do something. But she also knew the only way to help Cloud, was to find something for him to live for.

She knew how much the blonde loved music, ever since they were kids; and quite frankly, Cloud was naturally gifted. Cloud never believed that though. However, he began to grow more confident after beginning to date Sephiroth and earning that full scholarship to the top music college in Midgar. But that also meant that when all of that was violently snatched from him, everything he worked so hard on, everything he did to push himself up, all came crashing down, never to be seen again.

She had texted Cloud multiple times today but never received any responses. Growing worried, she proceeded to call him dozens of times. Every call going to voicemail. Her heart quickened…what if…

No, he'd never…he can't…she wouldn't let him do it.

She quickly hopped on her motorbike and drove as fast as she could to Cloud's apartment. Her heart telling her that she had to be as quick as possible.

She pulled up to the apartment and leaped off the bike, sprinting up the stairs.

She stood in front of Cloud's front door. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door, "Cloud?"

There was no response.

She furrowed her brows, then proceeded to bang on the door, calling out Cloud's name and listening for any sign of movement within the apartment.

After a few more knocks, Tifa took a step back and jumped in place before reeling her leg back and kicking the door wide open, the latches on the side of the door tore off.

Immediately, smoke flowed out of the unit.

"Cloud!" She covered her mouth. Something about the fumes didn't smell right, made her feel a little lightheaded. She noticed where the smoke was emitting from. There was a pan burning something on the kitchen stove. Tifa immediately went to turn the stove off. She noticed the bits of charcoal.

Tifa's heart sunk. It's dangerous to burn charcoal in a closed space because of the carbon monoxide it omits…

"Cloud!" She called out once again storming into his room.

She found him rested on his bed, seemingly lifeless.

"No…" she muttered to herself, quickly running to Cloud's side, running her hand along his cheek.

"Cloud…" she gently called out to him. She couldn't have been late there's no way…she refused to believe it.

"…Cloud" tears started to flow down her face. She pulled him into her arms, cradling him.

Her voice started to break, "You can't give up like this…"

She cried into his chest, dampening the shirt he wore. She felt him twitch underneath her. She quickly lifted her head, "Cloud? C—Can you hear me?"

He shifted in her arms. That was enough of a sign to get her moving. She pulled out her phone and immediately dialed 911 while lifting Cloud off the bed positioning him on her back.

"Hello, I need an ambulance fast! I think my friend may have a bad case of carbon monoxide poisoning…I'm at xx apartment….please, just get here quickly, I—I don't know how much he's breathed in….alright, alright"

She hoisted Cloud out of the apartment and made her way down the stairs. She rested Cloud on the side of the building. She can hear the sirens of the ambulance approaching…thank goodness.

She glanced over at Cloud, "You'll make it through this, don't worry…he won't win. I refuse to let him win" she murmured. Sephiroth didn't deserve the last laugh, and Tifa would make sure of that.

When the ambulance arrived, the EMTs positioned Cloud onto the stretcher and into the ambulance. Tifa climbed in along with them. The ride to the hospital felt like an eternity, but she kept her hand gripped into Cloud's.

He'll be okay.

Cloud groaned as his eyes fluttered open. His surroundings were all white, everything was glowing. Was this—was he on the other side? Had he died?

"Cloud! Oh thank god!" someone latched onto him, pulling him back to reality.

"…Tifa…" he still felt dazed.

"I was—I was so worried. I—I thought you were… I thought I lost you… When they brought you here, the doctor—the doctor said you breathed in so much carbon monoxide…I," she pursed her lips, "He said there was little hope… So—I braced myself for the worst…" Tears began running down her face.

Cloud frowned. Looks like he's caused trouble again… "I'm…sorry," he said, feeling disappointed in himself. He didn't mean to make Tifa cry.

Tifa lifted her head, "No, I'm sorry! I should've been there for you…"

Cloud shook his head, "There's…no way you could've known. I was just…tired"

Tears filled her eyes once again and her grip on him tightened, "You don't need to go through this alone you know. I'm always here for you no matter what." She paused for a moment, "How about you come live with me for a while and help me out at the bar? It'll be a lot of fun"

"Tifa…I wouldn't—I wouldn't want to inconvenience you like that…" He didn't need to be any more pitiful than he already was…

"You wouldn't be bothering me, Cloud. In fact, I would appreciate your help and presence"

Cloud eventually agreed, although, he still felt reluctant about the idea.

After that, Cloud lived with and helped Tifa around the bar over the next year. During this time, he felt himself get a little better emotionally. Every now and then he'd still be triggered by something or get lost in his thoughts, in the thoughts that made him want to beat himself up. However, he was able to ignore them most of the time; the thoughts only lurking in the back of his mind.

He still didn't write music. Just didn't have the motivation or inspiration for it anymore. However, he came to terms with this. It may have been upsetting…but it wasn't the end of the world, but a part of him truly missed music…

"Hey Cloud?" Tifa asked. They were currently wiping off the glass cups in the bar, preparing for the night crowd.

"Yeah?" Cloud responded, checking the glass for any imperfections.

"Why don't you open your own shop?"

"What? My own shop? What kind of shop could I even manage?" he scoffed at himself.

"A music shop," Tifa said with confidence.

Cloud stopped what he was doing, "A music shop you say…"

"Yeah, I mean, you have a great ear and a great sense of quality products. I think you could help people find instruments or products to suit their needs"

"…I don't know Tifa. I'm not much of a people person…"

"Oh come on, like that matters" she nudged him, "You've worked here long enough to learn how to deal with people." Her eyes softened, "I know how much you've missed music and I think this may be good for you. To be surrounded by something you love, and who knows, maybe you'll meet some people who love music just as much as you"

Cloud pondered over it. It surely didn't sound like a bad idea. Maybe…maybe this was what he needed.

A new start.

Cloud huffed out a laugh, "Alright, let's do it"