Can't Let You Go
a Tseng/Elena story
"Why are you doing this?"
Because he loves her. Because he can't forget her.
"You know perfectly well why I'm doing this, Rufus."
"Elena. Be reasonable. This won't change anything."
Nothing can change anything. It's out of my hands.
"You know Tseng, Elena." Rufus stood up from his chair.
"Do I?"
"Do what you wish. Shinra needs you to, anyway. Here's the file, and your gear will be ready at the seventh floor shooting range."
"Thank you, Rufus."
"No. You should be saying sorry…"
I shot them all perfectly on their foreheads. 99.9 for accuracy, 96.5 for speed. Hmm. Not bad. But I would need to be faster if I even planned on coming back after tonight. But did I even hope to?
My beating heart told me that a familiar presence was behind me.
"Elena."
"Yes, sir?"
"Elena."
"…"
"…your equipment's ready."
"Thank you, sir."
As I walked past him a strain reached my heart, and I felt that I could walk no more. One step I took forward would mean one teardrop from my eye. And I couldn't cry in front of him…
"You don't have to do this."
We had our backs to each other, so I couldn't see his face. I really wished I could. This may be the last thing I remember.
"It's my duty and honor, sir."
"Elena, remember my words when—"
"Tseng. I can't live like this. It hurts too much."
I started walking, but Tseng grabbed me by the arm, and I could feel the rage and confusion in his grip.
"Don't do this."
His eyes were trying to convey something.
But did it matter anymore?
"What other choice do I have? It's my dilemma. I'll deal with it. Everything will be simple after this, Tseng."
"…"
"Be happy for me."
And I left.
One after another, I eliminated the guards first. The hallway was clear now. The second to last room on the right. Two more doors to go. One more room—destination reached. Plug out three more guards. Two hidden ones, and four bodyguards. Now for the boss battle. It was all a game anyway, wasn't it?
I guess I should have raised my speed level back on the seventh floor. 96.5 just didn't cut it. The sharp blade pierced my skin and slashed me across back and forth. When had I dropped my gun? I shouldn't lose concentration. I'm aiming but I can't see—
The final blow. Game over. Player eliminated. Turk down.
Well, isn't this what I came here for…?
A long blade stuck in my torso and mercilessly pulled out as I collapse into my own blood?
Why am I doing it, Rufus had asked.
Because he loves her. The ancient. The flower girl. Aerith.
Even worse, he can't forget her. And it kills me inside.
Sure, no one knows. Elena crying? Elena being sad? Elena's heart aching uncontrollably? "No way!" they'd all say.
But that doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
It's my fault. It isn't you. You can't do anything about loving her.
It's me that just … can't let you go.
I can give up the whole world. But I just can't let you go. It hurts too much.
So I want it all to end.
Just too bad it couldn't be a happy ending. But hey, life isn't too pretty when you're a Turk. Hopefully it is if you have a flower girl by your side,
Tseng.
goshies. this fic actually turned out pretty angsty. eep my oneshots suck, i know...
now people are gonna think i'm emo? maybe i am. --
wellpz, whoever read this far...thanks? criticism is welcome. :D