I'm really bad at writing for Tseng. For some reason, my mind keeps wanting to write him like Vincent or Reeve. I'll try to do a better job for the next time, though. I couldn't resist but include that quote from FFVII at the end of this one. I'm really proud of this chapter, but I can't help but feel so sad for Vincent.
I wrote this chapter with the Nightwish's song "Meadows of Heaven" in my head, and when I read it properly whilst playing that song, I just really felt the nmood properly. It's been a while since I last had that feeling. Anyways, enjoy!

Something was different...

Something was wrong...

Awoken by the creaking of the door handle and the soft bang of the door shutting, I looked around me to find myself alone. She had gone, and taken my heart with her. The room felt colder and darker now...I missed her so much...so much that it hurt, tearing me up inside...I just wanted her to come back. Having her in my arms...it gave me more comfort than I could even begin to describe. I felt safe and at peace...I did not fully appreciate this until after she had walked out. To know that she had left me, and that she had left no sign of wanting to return...it truly killed me inside...but what could I do? Nothing. She had left me, so surely she did not wish to be near me...but last night, had she not told me that she loved me...? I felt confused. What was I supposed to think? What was I to feel? The woman I loved had just walked out on me...but what hurts the most is that I thought she was feeling what I was feeling. I thought she loved me...

My body was shaking...my eyes were stinging with tears, but I tried to force them back down. I didn't wish to show them...
Sitting up, I leaned fowards, clutching the bedcovers and pulling them towards me, burying my face in them and shutting my eyes tightly. Her scent still faintly lingered on the bedcovers...if I concentrated, I could possibly pretend that she was still here...that she was feeling the same love I was feeling. I heard myself sobbing, pulling the bedcovers closer to my face and hiding beneath them. My eyes opened, and I let the bedcovers slip from my grasp, my sobs never fading. Gazing down at the space where she had been lying next to me, I placed my hand back down against that part of the mattress.

I remember that she had looked particularly beautiful last night...a smile of such great happiness dancing on her lips...

"If you were so happy last night...why did you leave me like this, Elena...?"

Perhaps she had awoken this morning with the sudden realisation of what she had done. Perhaps she had seen me for what I truly was: a monster. I do not blame her for running away...I was fortunate to have gotten as far as I did with someone like her...I had no right to complain.

Outside, the rain battered hard against the window, knocking against it as loudly as though someone was outside throwing stones at it. I suppose it somewhat matched how I was feeling inside in some ways. Sunshine definitely had no place within me...not anymore. I heard myself sigh as I looked around the room. It was almost in complete darkness, except for very faint light that flowed through the window. My thoughts strayed back to Elena...how stunning she would have looked even in such gloom as this...

She had caused me this misery. I wanted to hate her...to blame her...but I just couldn't.

"Come back, Elena...please...come back...I...I love you, Elena...come back to me..." I whispered, my voice trembling almost as much as my body was.

I then thought of her confession...

Why would she confess her love for me if she had none? She seemed too kind to do something as cruel as that...

What if she had not left of her own free will? What if she had been stolen away by the enemy? If that were true...could I just sit here in silence and self-pity..? "No.." I murmured, my gaze moving to the ground. If my thoughts were true, then I had to do something. I had to help her. I had no choice but to go after her. If I wished to have her back so desperately, then it was up to me to bring her back.

Getting out bed, I quickly got dressed and made sure that I had the key to the room in my hand. Heading to the window to see if I could find her outside, I gazed out into the murky darkness of the morning, and squinted to try and see through the heavy rain that splattered down onto the street below. I immediately regretted doing so. The sight that met my eyes ripped so viciously at my heart that I could do nothing other watch, one hand pressed against the glass. Oh yes, I had indeed found her...and she was not alone.

They stood outside the ShinRa manor in the pouring rain, the dark-haired male with his arm around Elena's shoulders whilst he held his jacket up over her head to prevent her from getting wet...and yet she gave no resistence. It was as though I meant nothing to her... but I suppose compared to him, I did not. I was merely a pass-time to keep her occupied. Now that Tseng had returned for her, I was no longer of use. Yes, I understood...I understood all too well. After all: what use is the supporting act once the main event has arrived...? Once again, I was forced to stand down...to step back and admit defeat. Elena had loved him for so long...how could I compare...?

As they walked away, out of my view, my eyes slid shut and tears trickled down my cheeks. I didn't care that I appeared weak in that moment...it felt as though nothing mattered anymore...not now that she had gone...
I sank to my knees, trembling as I just remained there, my arms tightly clutching at my cape and pulling it around myself. Sobbing softly, my mind just taunted and scolded me for causing myself such pain...I had been foolish to have expected her to stay...she would never...not whilst her true love interest remained out there somewhere. She had merely remained by my side whilst she waited for him. And that waiting had not gone without reward...

So, as much as it pains me to do so...I give her to you, Tseng. Her happiness is what is most important, and that happiness appears to be only with you...so I shall not make her miserable by forcing her to remain by my side. Take her, and love her dearly. I only wish that I could have done so...and it is only in my dreams that I am truly able to. Whislt you enjoy her company...I am left to clutch desperately at dreams and memories...mere fantasies, and nothing more. Although envious of you, I cannot hope to compete with you...her heart shall never truly be mine, no matter what I do. Not whilst she still dreams of you... but...maybe this is for the best...

"As long as she is happy...I don't mind...as long as she is happy..."