A/N: Hey all. Back again with another chapter of the fic! Happy Holidays!

Disclaimer: Same as always!

Cloud turned on his heel and stomped up the stairs, his boots banging out a heavy staccato. Zack shook his head and turned back to the bar. He understood where the blond was coming from, but it didn't make his behavior seem any less infantile. He shot Cloud a quick text on his PHS before heading back to his duties.

Cloud's PHS gave a low buzz and a beep. He was irritated to find a text from Zack waiting for him.

"Green's not a good color on you."

Snapping it shut, Cloud threw his PHS across the room.

"He lied to me. My best friend lied to me." Cloud raked a hand through his hair in frustration.

"That's kind of selfish of you...don't you think?"

"Who's there?"

"No one's 'there'. It's just me. And I'm you. Over here, by the mirror."

Cloud gazed into the mirror and found himself staring at a younger version of himself.

"Why are you all bent out of shape?"

"Why wouldn't I be? He promised me he wasn't trying to make a move on Tifa."

"And what right do you have to be mad about it if he did? Aren't you with the one you've always wanted? And isn't that the girl that Zack was in love with?"

"She chose me."

"And Tifa's chosen Zack. Get over yourself."

Cloud put his fist through the mirror.

Tifa's keen ears had picked up on the sound of breaking glass. Dashing up the stairs she burst into Cloud's room. Pieces of the mirror were scattered around the blond's feet. His hand was bleeding heavily, and he was panting in rage.

"Cloud, are you alright?"

"Do I look alright to you?"

Tifa's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Don't take that tone with me. I heard glass breaking and just wanted to make sure you were okay. But if you're going to be a jerk, I don't have time for this."

Just as Tifa turned to leave, Cloud grabbed her by the wrist and spun her into his arms. He used his unbloodied hand to stroke her hair. She took a deep breath and gently – but firmly – pushed him away.

"No, Cloud. I won't do that to Aeris. I won't do that to myself. If you want me...If you've ever wanted me...It's too late now. I'm forcing myself to move on."

"I..."

"It wasn't until today that I realized just how selfish you could be. You never tried to be my hero because you were too afraid of failing. You ran away when you had the Stigma because you were too afraid of looking weak. You didn't try to spare my feelings because you were too afraid to acknowledge them. And maybe because my whole world was all about you, I never noticed. But it's just about you anymore. You'll always have a place in my heart, but from now on...I'm going to make sure I look out for me."

An awkward silence filled the air. Cloud's eyes were downcast, and he looked fairly sad and ashamed. It wasn't until a few moments passed that Cloud finally spoke up.

"I understand. And Tifa...I'm sorry. For everything. You've always been there for me. You're right. I am, and have been, very selfish. I just...missed you. That's all. You and Zack have been getting closer and I got jealous. I know I have no right to be. And I think maybe I've just been bitter. When we were just kids, sitting at the well in Nibelheim, I was in love with you. I'd wanted you so much. And you'd never felt the same about me. So when the time came where you finally wanted me, I wished you'd realized it sooner. And maybe a small part of me wanted you to know what it felt like to love someone hopelessly...but love them nonetheless. I'm sorry."

Moving closer to him, she gave him a gentle hug and a peck on the cheek.

"You don't have to be sorry. We've both grown up and learned a lot in these past few years. And that's the important part. Can't learn from the mistakes we don't make, right?"

Cloud nodded his assent.

"Good. Now come on, let's get you cleaned up."

Zack stood outside the door, leaning against the wall in the hallway. He smiled quietly to himself.

Closure is a wonderful thing.