Chapter 2! Yay! This one gave me a bit of trouble, but I think it turned out well in the end. Enjoy! And please review! How else will I know if anyone likes this huh? Oh, and I should mention that I do not own the song that Missy sings in this chapter, "Sakura Fubuki (Cherry Blossom Storm)". It's from PGSM, and I really don't know who exactly owns it. I just know it's not me. : ) I gave both the Japanese and English wordss because Missy sings it in Japanese, and I'm sure everyone appreciates the translation. : ) I still don't own any FF characters...and that's the last time I'll say it. Anyways, enjoy the chapter!

Chapter Two-

"Well hello…" the tall man said.

"I-I…" I backed up a few paces. "S-Sephiroth?" I stood there staring at him for a number of seconds before my brain was reconnected to the rest of my body. I found myself running again, until something threw me several feet into the alley. It was Sephiroth.

I crashed into the side of the dumpster and rolled across the ground. I spend WAY too much time in alleys… I pushed myself back up onto my feet with a groan, to see him standing just a few feet away.

"If it makes you feel any better, I actually wasn't planning on running into you today." He told me with that sickly, sweet smile of his.

"And why do I find that hard to believe…"

"Would I lie to you?"

"I'm not even gonna dignify that with a response." I shot back angrily.

"Huh." He stretched out his hand towards me.

"No." I clenched my fists, as did he.

We both lunged towards each other at the same time. He blocked my punches with his arms, and I dodged his by ducking. Eventually, his fist met with my jaw and I fell to the concrete. I immediately flipped myself back up and ran in his direction. I kicked him once in the head, then swung my leg around and kicked him in the chest. He flew back a couple of feet and landed on his back.

"Hahaha…I think you're losing your touch!" he said playfully as he stood up.

"I'm just getting started."

I dashed towards him again, ready to fight. I hit him several times but it hardly seemed to faze him. He laughed again as he punched me in the gut, hard. I slumped over holding onto my stomach. I looked back up at him with a hateful glare as I tried to stand up. He grabbed a hold of me and threw me again. I landed on the other end of the alley, amongst some metal bins. Oww…

"It really is a shame I can't take you back with me, but I have important business today. I'll just have to catch up with you another time." He bowed to me with a smile and left.

"Well now my week truly is complete…" I murmured to myself. I grimaced in pain as I stood up. My whole left leg was in pain from crashing into everything, and my lip was bleeding.

I limped back out into the streets, slowly.

"You ok?" a voice said from behind.

I spun around to see a familiar face. "Just spiffy…" I replied sarcastically. "It's Cloud, right?"

He nodded. "Want some help?"

"No, I can take care of myself!"

"Oh not with the girl power bit…"

"I'm FINE!" I was pissed off when I was thrown into the alleyway, now I was fuming.

He kicked me in the leg lightly.

"OW!" I lost balance and fell to the ground.

"You don't look fine now…"

A soft growl escaped my mouth. "Alright, if I let you help me will you leave me alone?"

"Yes."

"Fine…help me 'Obi-wan'…" I rolled my eyes as Cloud helped me to my feet.

"I'll take back to my place. Can you walk?"

"Yeah…you gonna let me?"

He thought for a moment. "Nope."

"Well why did you ask me then!"

"I thought it would be more polite than just picking you up without saying anything." And with that he scooped me up off my feet and into his arms.

He sure is strong… I looked around me. Well this is incredibly awkward. I'm usually just throw over some guy's shoulder…It's been a while since I've been carried like this.

"So what mess did you get into this time?" I could hear him making soft grunting noises as he carried me up the stairs.

"I didn't GET myself into anything…and it's none of your business anyways!"

"Oh yeah…people are just beating you up for fun…I get it now."

"Hey, sarcasm is MY thing." And it was.

He stopped. "We're here."

The door swung open to reveal a spacious, two-story apartment. There was a large window taking up most of the far wall, which had a balcony on the other side of it. There were doors leading to the bedrooms on the left and right, a kitchen in the bottom left corner, and a spiral staircase in the top right corner.

I gasped at the sight of it as Cloud helped me unhook my weapons and put me down on the couch in the center of the room. "It's amazing…I would have never guessed a place like this would be in Midgar."

"One of it's many secrets." He shrugged. "I'll get some ice."

I continued to look around as he went to the kitchen. It was huge for just one person, so I had to ask. "You live here alone?"

I could see he knew what I was thinking, because he smiled. "Usually. Sometimes a friend will stay the night, but I like the space." He came over with an ice pack and a damp cloth. "I swear I'm not some serial killer or psycho if that's what you're so afraid of."

He has such a sweet smile…w-wait a minute! What am I saying! I mean thinking! I mean…oh I swear I'm losing it…

"I wasn't thinking that!" I waved my hands in protest.

"Uh huh." He raised one eyebrow.

"I'm just cautious. You wouldn't believe how many crazies I've met, among other things." I took the ice from him and laid it on my leg.

"Try me." His blue eyes stared into mine, eager to listen to me.

"I…I'd rather not." I had to look away. My heart started to ache as I remembered things.

"You really don't trust people, do you?" he said as he gently pressed the cloth to my lip.

"And why should I!" I spat irritably. My eyes started to water and I could feel tears starting to form.

"Because, there really are good people out there." He had a sympathetic look on his face. I knew he was trying to help, but it only made it worse. "Look, why don't you just stay here tonight. You're in no condition to wander around and you attract trouble like a magnet."

I let out a sigh. "I don't know…I hardly know you."

He held up his right hand. "Don't worry, I promise to keep my hands to myself."

I had to giggle. "Alright. But I swear, you try anything and I'll kick your ass."

"I promise, I promise." he laughed too. "You can use the room near the stairs there. Make yourself at home."

Home. I've never really had one. I've been all around the world, and even into other dimensions; but I've never had a place I could truly call home. I lived with my best friend for a time, when I was younger. One of the few times in my life when things were ok. But I'm older now. Things change, as do people. Life has its consequences, and you learn from them. I've learned several life lessons, but I'm still paying for it.

"Anyone in there?" Cloud's voice broke my thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, sorry. I was just thinking. Um, I'm a bit hungry. Can I have some food?"

He let out a soft chuckle. "Of course, I'll go make something."

"Thanks!" I was smiling again. I stretched my arms above my head and flopped them back down to my side. I was starting to feel better, so I softly sang one of my favorite songs.

Hin'yari hanabira wo nigirishimeteru – (Grasping the cool flower petals tightly)
Eien ga tsuzuku you na kumo no kirema – (I felt as if I saw a break in the clouds)
Mieta ki ga shita no – (Going on forever)

Futatsu no yume – (Two dreams)
Fureru yubisaki – (Touching fingertips)
Namida mau haru no hi – (Dancing tears on that spring day)
Riyuu nanka mitsukaranai – (I can't find any reason)
Sugu tachidomaru – (Soon they will come to a stop)
Tsuyoku nareru no? – (Can I become strong) Itsuka wa – (Someday?)

Zutto sagasu shiroi tenshi no sugata – (I'll search forever for the sight of a white angel)
Kitto futte kuru – (I know they will fall)
Atarashii watashi kureru hane – (Wings that will bring a new me)

Kazahana tsuretette maboroshi no Eden made – (Take the snowflakes on the wind to the illusory Eden)
Koko de nara sukoshi dake wa – (If I'm here, perhaps I can become accepting)
Sunao ni nareru ka mo ne – (If just a little)

Kamisama nante inai – (There's no such thing as God)
Dakedo dareka shinjitai – (But I want to believe in someone)
Ima wa mada otona ni naritakunai – (Now still I don't want to grow up)
Sakura fubuki hisoka ni – (A cherry blossom storm secretly)

I stopped when I noticed Cloud was listening.

"That was beautiful, please don't stop on my account." He had come over with some sandwiches.

"Thank you, it's called 'Sakura Fubuki (Cherry Blossom Storm)'." Cloud handed me my plate. "Peanut butter and jelly?" I asked, rather amused.

"Alright, so I can't cook…but it's food." He replied defensively.

"Hey, no problem here. I just didn't think of you as a PB&J kind of guy."

"A man has to eat."

I smiled again. "Well anyways, thanks."

We ate in silence. I decided to take advantage of that time to think to myself. I thought about the soldiers, and Midgar, and Cloud. But my mind couldn't avoid the inevitable for long. I thought of Sephiroth and his 'important business'.

"What are you thinking about?" Cloud laughed.

"Hm? Oh, nothing important." I lied.

"No…you have 'something' face."

"Oh, you must be confused with my 'this tastes funny' face. Easy mistake." I made a funny face to go along with my little joke. The food really didn't taste that bad.

"I'm never gonna win with you, am I?"

"Nope!" I said proudly.

Cloud started to laugh. It was a sweet sound to my ears, and it made me genuinely happy. "You are a real piece of work, you know that? No wonder you're always in trouble."

"Hey!" I pretended to be offended, and leaned over and smacked him in the arm teasingly. "Alright, why don't you tell me something about yourself then."

"Like?"

"Like why you're helping me."

"I lost someone once." His face grew somber. "Someone I loved very much. For the longest time I blamed myself for her death, and thought I wasn't able to help anyone anymore. I just wanted to be alone. But I was able to find forgiveness, and I promised myself I wouldn't be like that anymore. When I saw you on the train with that soldier, I knew something was going on. I couldn't just leave a lady in the hands of a punk like that." He started to smile again. "And then I saw you again in the street and realized you really couldn't be left alone for two minutes without finding trouble, and I dunno. I wanted to help you. I recognized something in you. I'll be damned if I know what it is, but it's there."

I felt extremely awkward by now. So he sensed it too…he has an energy I recognize, but I can't figure it out. I still felt a little confused as to why he was being so kind, but I felt uncomfortable asking again.

"What was her name?" I finally asked.

"Aerith."

"It's a beautiful name…I'm sorry." I saw him look down. Aerith…she was an ancient…he told me, after he killed her. My god…it's all connected.

"I'm ok with it now. I still wish I could've saved her, but that's the past now. I have to remember her fondly, and move on in life. She'd want that."

I could only nod in response. "I think I'm gonna take a nap." I finally blurted out.

I hobbled over to my room and shut the door behind me. I feel sick… I slid down and rested against the door. Thoughts overflowed my brain. It was like a million voices talking in my head at once. So many thoughts, and yet I couldn't think. I was choking on the air around me. I forced myself to get onto the bed and sit down, where I soon passed out.

Sometime later, I came back into consciousness. It's dark out… I went out onto the balcony in my room. There was a light breeze that played with my hair. I felt much calmer now than I had before.

I stood leaning over the rail slightly for a while, just looking out at the world. I could feel his eyes on me. I can feel his presence, he's still here. Anxiously, I started to look around me. There was no one about town, but I knew he was there.

A glimmer of silver caught my eye. Hidden in the shadows on the corner of a building, I saw him. His green eyes were fixated on me, and I stared him down. My body tensed as he smiled.

"Be seeing you." He mouthed. With that he turned to the shadows and faded into its blackness, away from my sight.

I slowly walked back into the room, closed the window, and locked it. I was trying to calm down. "One, two, three…" I took in a deep breath. "Oh screw this!" I screamed as I kicked the wall repeatedly. "Unh!" I slumped down to my knees at my last kick.

"You okay in there?" Cloud yelled from the other side of the door.

"…"

"I'll take that as a no…"

"…" I growled. "Trust me when I say you do not want to come in right now…"

"Right then…I'll just be out here if you need me."

Several minutes passed and I was still on the floor. Somehow I found the motivation to flop down on the bed instead. I laid on my back, completely exhausted. The past week has been a strain, and I just wanted to sleep now.

I stuck my feet in the air above me to unlace my boots. I pulled them off and let them fall to the floor. Then I let my legs fall back down to the bed and let my whole body relax. Before I knew it, I had fallen into a deep slumber.

"You alive in there?"

"Mmm?" I moaned as I rolled to my side. I opened my eyes to see Cloud hovering over me. "What are you doing…"

"I've been trying to wake you up for forever…you sleep like a rock!"

"Excuse you! I'm tired!"

"It's noon!"

"What? No way I slept that long!" I shot up. Sure enough, that's what the clock said.

"How's your leg?"

"It's fine. Really. I heal fast." I stood up and twirled around. "See? All better."

He laughed. "Ok. Why don't we get you something to eat then."

"You're not cooking are you?"

"No, I was thinking of taking you out for lunch."

"Oh really?" I asked as I put my boots back on.

"Just come on…" he smiled at me and tugged me by my arm out the door.

We sat at a quaint little café outside.

"So where are you heading?" Cloud inquired as he took a sip of cocoa.

"Nowhere." I said. "Anywhere. I guess you could say I bounce around from place to place."

"The real question then, is why?"

I let out a sigh. "That's more complicated than I wanna get right now."

"Hey, I saved your ass earlier. And I gave you a place to stay. I think I deserve something."

I rolled my eyes. "I knew this wouldn't be a free ride."

"I didn't mean it like that. I just want to know what I'm getting into here."

"Whoa whoa whoa…you are not getting into anything with me. This is my stuff, and I do things my way. You are not my way."

"Oh yeah, cause your way is working so well right now."

"Again, sarcasm, MY thing!" Although, I wouldn't mind spending more time with him…he's doing that cute half smile thing again…oh shoot me now.

"Alright, I'll admit it. I've been interested since I saw the soldiers after you. It made me curious. If you have no where to go, why don't you just stay with me a little longer? That way you can lay low, and I just may get some information."

It would be convenient. I didn't want to say it, but I wanted to find out more about him too. Something about his energy bothered me, and I couldn't help but feel that it was connected to everything else somehow.

"Ok. I'll stay."

"Really?" he looked surprised. "That was easier than I thought it would be."

I smiled. "But if I'm going to stay, there's one thing I have to do first!"

"And what's that?"

"Go shopping!"

"HUH?" I guess he didn't expect me to say that. What can I say, I have many layers. One of them happened to be in that window over on the mannequin.

"C'mon!" I grabbed his arm and pulled him along with me.

I made him wait outside as I picked up some clothes I wanted. What, you expected me to model for him? Uh, no! Just because I happened to be in a good mood and not acting like all cynical like usual didn't mean I was going to prance around in my new stuff.

Five bags later and two ice cream cones, we were done. Not only did I pick up several outfits, but I did a little weapon shopping too. I found a shiny, black sword with a red dragon etched on the blade and fell in love with it.

"I'm starting to think I shouldn't have invited you to stay." Cloud huffed.

"Too late now!"

"What happened to that, 'I do things alone' crap?"

"I never said that. I only implied that."

To be honest, I wasn't sure why I was still here with him. Yeah, I wanted to know more; but this isn't how I usually go about getting information. I guess you could say it was a gut instinct. I felt safer here than alone somewhere new. Especially if Sephiroth was lurking around. Besides, if I'm staying here, I might as well have some fun.

"Well, if it isn't my two favorite people." A voice said.

Speak of the devil…