A/N

Officially hit 100+ reads. This always makes me giddy with excitement. My other fic has hit over a thousand, so I adore you guys! Hopefully I can keep updating for you guys in a timely manner, my goal is to keep up! I'm working on this one and then I'll be adding more to Be My Future. Love you guys, thanks so much! Genesis is going to be my favorite person to write in this entire fic. He is so much fun! I'm going to try and keep it in character, but if it happens it happens.

Guest: You're awesome thank you! I'll keep updating for ya; hope I do it in a good enough manner. After playing crisis core and doing those missions with Yuffie in them, I so saw Zack being an older brother to her in some ways! I couldn't resist! I'm glad to see you came back for more!

Is It Time Yet?

Cloud didn't see much of his ghost friend for the next week. He was left feeling….odd? How could he describe this feeling of emptiness? Even though he had despised the fact he had a ghost he was quickly realizing he liked the dark haired man. Zack was entertaining and so full of life. It was lonely and quiet when he wasn't around.

He had just stepped out of the shower when he looked up into deep, intense eyes. "What the fuck?"

The red head laughed as Cloud fell back and landed in the tub. The towel stayed tight around his waist, thankfully. "Hey kid, I was wondering how you were doing. It's been quiet around here for a while, and I was worried."

His house…it was locked…his bathroom door….no, no, no! Cloud flushed red and scrambled out of the tub punching the hell out of Reno. His fist flew on reaction and before he knew it, Reno was against the wall with a shocked look.

"You are not allowed to break into my house, bastard! Get out, I'm not decent!"

Reno cackled with glee as he wiggled his eyebrows, "You look decent to me, kid."

Cloud didn't have an immediate reaction. His first thought was that the red head was mentally ill or something, but then again he knew that couldn't be it. Reno was too stupid to be mentally ill. He wouldn't even know the meaning.

"Get the hell out of my bathroom before I murder you."

Reno played with the ends of his hair, "I heard you met Genesis and the boys yesterday. How did it go meeting the one man obsessed with Shakespeare?"

"Tons of people are, but this is not the time for conversation leave." Cloud's voice was sharp, cold. "We can talk when I'm dressed."

"It'll be so much more fun if you stayed like that though." Cloud felt his cheeks heat up. He wasn't used to being watched so closely by someone. Backing up out of instinct he shot a scowl at Reno. What was wrong with this one?

"Hey Rude, if you came with this scum of the earth, would you mind coming to get him?" Cloud called just loud enough for the other to hear.

Reno smirked, "I came alone. Rude doesn't know I'm here. When I was told Sephiroth spoke to you yesterday I had to come and get the story. He doesn't talk to many people, not since Za…not since the fourth to their group died."

Zack. Cloud looked up with a nod, "What happened to him? The brother I mean?"

Reno shrugged and looked away from Cloud to find something interesting about the wall. He was set on this one, tiny spot that he couldn't seem to believe existed. "That one always had to be the hero."

Cloud didn't get any more information from the red head. "How?"

Reno sighed softly, a faraway look in his eyes. "I have to get back to Rude before he realizes I'm gone. It was nice talking to you again, I am glad to see you're still alive."

"That must be some sort of sick joke." Cloud looked up at another voice. His raven haired haunter seemed to be back. "If only he knew, right?"

The man was smirking, arms crossed against his chest, eyes staring intently. "Why's he in the bathroom? Why are you naked?" An eager smile crossed his lips, "You two were getting down and dirty weren't you?"

Cloud gagged at Zack's excitement. He didn't get to talk though since Reno was standing there looking at him worried. "You okay?"

"Fine." The blonde nodded before shoving Reno out the door, "Now leave."

"So pushy." He feigned hurt, but Cloud knew better. This idiot didn't have sense to be hurt or have any feeling for that matter. "I will see you later, oh by the way, there's a party at Genesis' tonight. He wants you to come, his words."

With that the red head was gone and Cloud was left in his towel, in his bathroom. Zack looked him over with a smirk, "So, are you going to the party tonight?"

"I didn't sleep with Reno."

Zack grinned like a fool, "That's not what I asked. Why does it matter whether or not you slept with him?"

"I didn't." The blonde spat indignantly. "Why would I?"

"Why would I care?"

He wouldn't because he was dead. Cloud kept forgetting he was dead. "You wouldn't."

Zack smirked and rubbed the back of his neck, "So are you going to the party then?"
He didn't want to, not at all. There was no reason he would have to go to some stupid party. He did want to know more about Zack though, and he wasn't sure how he was going to get the information he needed.

"Where've you been all week?"

Zack looked at the other for a moment, a pained expression on his face. "I've been thinking. I needed some space and what not, but don't worry I didn't forget about you."

Cloud wasn't used to seeing such a helpless expression on someone's face. "Are you alright?"

"No, no I don't think so. There's this feeling around me….some odd feeling. I think…I think I'll be leaving soon." His voice was soft, caring. "I don't know how to stay, but I don't want Yuffie to be alone."

Of course he would worry about his family. It was natural that he wanted his sister to be okay. Cloud still couldn't fight back the feeling of complete and utter loneliness that coursed through his body.

"Then we best make the little time we have awesome, right?" Cloud looked up at the other. He was still in his towel, and he was getting a bit cold. "Let me get dressed and we can figure something out."

Zack managed a weak smile before Cloud disappeared into his bedroom. He had all but unpacked the house, though his room was in a bit of disarray. He was living out of boxes when it came to clothes, he had yet to put things in his drawers and closet. Quickly throwing a pair of jeans on, and a tight black shirt, he left the room running the towel through his messy hair. He didn't feel like doing anything with it today, so it would probably go crazy and stand on end most of the day.

Shrugging the thought away he slipped into his living room to find Zack in the kitchen. He was staring at the things here and there making Cloud feel bad. This wasn't the normal Zack and he found himself missing the boisterous lad.

"Want to go do something today?" Cloud asked quietly. What could he bring a ghost to do?

"I want you to go to that party at Sephiroth's. Can you do that for me?" Cloud had no intention of going. Wincing he looked away slightly bitterly. Why would Zack want him to go there? As if reading his mind, the other spoke quickly, "I don't want you to be alone either. Aerith lives too far away to see you all the time so you need to make friends."

He wasn't wrong, but he wasn't correct either. Cloud didn't need friends nor did he like people. He nodded weakly though, "I'll go."

Great, a night at a stranger's house, what could be more fun? Reno and Rude went with Cloud that night. The party was at six and Cloud found himself thankful to go. Zack had moped around all day and barely spoke three words to him all day. It was kind of annoying and depressing having a depressed ghost in the house. It was even worse for Cloud being that he could easily read and feel Zack.

"What made you decide to come?" Reno asked as they exited the twelve story apartment building.

Cloud shrugged lamely, "I was uh…bored."

Neither of the pair bought it, but he didn't need their approval to go somewhere. When they arrived at the smaller house across the street, Yuffie answered. "Hey guys! I was wondering if you would come, oh and look! You brought my savior too!"

"Dissembling harlot, thou art false in all!" That had to be Genesis.

A woman screeched at him from across the room throwing something heavy, and Cloud turned around to leave. He was not about to be dragged into another fight! "Don't worry about that!" Reno grabbed the back of Cloud's shirt. "That's just Genesis and Elena; they get into it a lot."

She was blonde, tiny, but really cute. Cloud scanned the living room focusing on all of his quick exits. "She doesn't like people who slack off and well….Genesis is Genesis."

They weren't even drinking and this is how they acted. Cloud wasn't sure whether to be amused or appalled….maybe he was a bit of both. Zack seemed to find it hilarious as he doubled over in laughter.

Genesis seemed to notice the small crowd in the room and he turned to speak with a smile. Elena grabbed his wrist in irritation. "Hey, we're not finished talking, jerk!"

He didn't miss a beat as he tore his hand from hers and ginned wickedly, "More of your conversation would infect my brain."

Cloud wondered if that one was even from Shakespeare. Zack looked up wiping his tears from his eyes. Well, if he had tears anyway. "Everything he says comes from Shakespeare, so don't even question it. If he's insulting you then he is most definitely using his favorite play write."

"I didn't expect you to come, Cloud. It's good to see you again. How are things?" Angeal walked into the living room with a soft smile. "I hope Reno hasn't been too hard on you being his neighbor."

Oh no, he just occasionally broke into his house and liked to watch him shower. Cloud bit his tongue, "It's not too bad."

"You are so lying." Yuffie smirked with a false sigh. "You know he's bad, everyone thinks he's bad."

Cloud turned his attention to the younger, dark haired female. "I see you're still here, that's good."

She beamed with a slight blush, "Yeah, Hollander and I are over." Good to know. He watched Zack visibly brighten. "After you stepped in to help me, I kind of realized I had been wrong."

"Well that's good, as long as you're happy."

Yuffie grinned and leaned on the wall she was against as Reno pulled out a pack of cards. "Let's play a game!"

"What are we playing?" Genesis pulled a chair up and straddled it facing Reno. "Strip poker?"

"Hell no, we have virgin eyes here! Right…Cloud?" The blonde blushed furiously thinking he had been talking about Yuffie.

"M…Me? Are you joking, what about her?" He demanded pointing at the girl.

Yuffie laughed as if this were the funniest thing in the world. "Living here, are you joking? I've seen things you're little mind wouldn't be able to comprehend, darling! Now, let's play some poker."

Cloud had no idea how to play poker. He looked to Zack for help, but the raven haired man was set on listening to Angeal and Sephiroth speak. They had been so quiet Cloud totally forgot they were there. He stood in the entryway for a moment more before groaning to himself and moving forward. Reno was eagerly patting a chair next to him.

Before Cloud could sit though, Genesis shoved him into the opposite chair with a wink. "He is a devil's incarnate."

Cloud was slightly thankful as they were dealt cards and he peeked at them. He didn't know what he was doing or what calling meant. Staring at the men around the table he tried to pick up how the game was played.

"You don't have a bad hand for what's on the table. Call him." Zack's voice found his ear and he had to resist the urge to look up. "Good, now keep going because Genesis is always full of shit. I think you can pull this off as a win."

Cloud smirked to himself lightly and eventually he had everyone folding. Zack smirked in victory as he won his first hand. "So uh…we keep going then?"

Genesis dealt another hand with a laugh, "I'm going to cream you, kid!"

Zack sat and watched the party unfold. He'd been watching, more like haunting, his sister for the past few weeks. He'd missed Cloud dearly in the time he didn't get to spend with his blond friend, but Yuffie was a little more important being she was his sister.

"Hag of all despite!" That was Genesis as Yuffie leaned back victoriously. She was great at poker, the best of them all. Zack still wasn't sure why Genesis thought he had a chance.

He helped Cloud with the first few hands, but when the blonde picked up, which was rather quick, he sat back to enjoy the evening. Angeal and Sephiroth had chosen to sit this one out and talk. Those two talked more than anyone Zack knew.

"Such an over dramatic, bastard isn't he?" Zack asked lightly with a smirk.

Cloud wasn't able to answer, but he didn't miss the slight smile on the other's face. He would accept his yes and move on with the conversation. "I think I'll be okay, Cloud. Will you?"

He watched the facial muscles in Cloud's face twitch slightly. He was resisting every urge he had to look over. Zack could tell from one look, but he was unable to tell what the blonde was thinking.

"I think you will too. I mean, you have these idiots here. Plus, you never actually knew me. It's not like you have much to miss." Zack didn't mean his words to come out as bland as they were. He sounded bored, apathetic almost.

Cloud closed his eyes, Zack wondered why. "I bet moving on is as great as you say. Maybe I'll get to meet your mom."

The blonde's hands slammed onto the table and he stood pushing himself away quickly. "I have to go!"

Genesis and Sephiroth looked up mildly startled. Angeal kind of just looked up, not an expression on his face. "Hey, I was only joking…." Genesis started, but Cloud was already out the door.

Yuffie pursed her lips for a moment before setting her hand down with a smirk, "Royal flush. I'm going to go check on him."

"How in God's name do I keep losing?" Reno yelled throwing his cards at the wall. "This is bullshit!"

Zack followed his sister out the front door and down the street. Cloud had already crossed, but he hadn't gone any further then a light pole. "What's he doing?"

He watched Yuffie cross the street and approach the blonde warily. She knew better then to mess with an upset man, but then again this wasn't Hollander. This was Cloud and he seemed safe enough. He reminded her of Angeal almost and that made her smile.

Zack watched silently as she hugged him, asked him if he was alright, and then returned to the house. Cloud stood still, silent, and he avoided Zack's gaze. "You act like leaving is going to be hard."

Zack shrugged slightly. "It's not easy leaving people behind." When blue eyes met blue eyes Zack was surprised to find one set was clouded by tears. He looked at Cloud painfully. "I take it; it's not easy getting left behind, huh?"

Of course it wasn't easy getting left behind! Cloud wanted to shout, yell, lash out, but mostly he wanted to hug Zack. "Give me one more day?"

Zack looked around as if trying to see something around him. "If I can, I will."

Cloud nodded seemingly pleased with that answer. "Then we better start tonight just in case you can't."

The raven haired male smiled weakly and beckoned for the blonde. "Follow me; I have somewhere I want you to see." Maybe, if he couldn't give Cloud a friend in body he could at least give him something to remember him by, right?

Cloud followed wiping his eyes hoping Zack hadn't seen the tears in them. They walked in silence as the sun began to set and Zack looked up worried. "We're going to miss it!"

Zack took off running just in time to listen to Cloud shout behind him. "Hey! What's the hurry?" He turned a corner entering an alley and had to climb a fence. "Zack, I'm not a ghost!"

"Stop complaining and hurry! Zack complained on the other side. Sure, he could walk through shit but before he couldn't. "We're missing it!" He really, really wanted to take Cloud to his special place.

The blonde scrambled over the fence and nearly fell on his face as his the bottom of his shirt caught on a spike at the top. "Ugh, damn it…."

Zack watched in amusement as Cloud finally caught up. "Can we continue?" He got the middle finger and the two were running again. A minute later, Zack led Cloud to the top of a giant, grassy hill. There was a bench off to the side, but the rest of the place was a dump.

"What the heck is this?"

"The best place to watch a sunset." Zack gestured out across the land and smirked. The sun was high in the sky, Cloud looked out skeptically. The hill overlooked downtown, and there wasn't much to look at from there, but the sky could be seen clearly.

Zack didn't watch the sun fall in the sky, but instead he watched Cloud's face as it lit up with the beauty of it all. He'd never seen someone so innocent and perfect before. Smirking he looked away and leaned on the bench with a small sigh. He was going to have to say good-bye and it was going to hurt.

"What do you think?"

Cloud nodded eagerly, "I think it's the most perfect thing I've ever seen."

"Come here anytime you need to! I want this to be the place you remember for me. If I need anything to be remembered it's right here."

Why? Cloud looked up and nodded, "I will."

Zack was content with his answer. After a moment he stretched and yawned. "Come on, let's get you home. I can't get sick but you can."

Cloud nodded again and followed after the black haired man. Something was happening here, something big, and he knew he was about to get himself into some trouble. Zack looked back as the blonde hesitated. "Hey, are you alright?"

No. "Of course. Come on, I bet I can beat you home!"

Zack never turned down a challenge. "You're on!"

A/N

Alright guys! It's stopping point, okay? Hope it's going okay so far hehehe the next chapter has a lot coming so brace yourselves! I'll try to get it up as soon as I can! Genesis is still my favorite to write.