The dream sequence was always the same as soon as Cloud closed his eyes and laid down in bed. He had to wonder if it was his lover's way of showing him that he and Aeris were finally at peace and that Cloud needed to come to term's with his own peace inorder to find was always difficult for Cloud to wake up. He wanted to hold Zack to him forever but he knew eventually that the dream would end and he would be thrust back into the chaotic world that awaited him. Cloud blinked his eyes rapidly and groaned at the evil sunlight streaming in from a little tiny slit in his curtains. He could hear Denzel and Marlene playing downstairs in the bar. Sitting up he waited until the dizziness passed before getting up. Standing up,he padded over to the bathroom and closed the door behind him. Making sure to lock it because of what happened last time when he left the door open. Peeling off his sweaty pajama pants,he turned on the shower and waited until the steam filled the bathroom before sliding under the spray and closing the curtain.

The water was scalding hot and helped Cloud's mind to come back into a tiny resemblance of normal. Not that he ever was normal but he could think it right. The coldness that had so long ago found permanence inside of Cloud's bones was temporarily warmed by the water. He knew it wouldn't last but was thankful that the hot chased away the nightmares and the demon's. Closing his eye's he ducked his head under water and let the liquid drip down into his face and slide down his chest. He could still remember the first time he met Zack. They had been training together and Zack would always give him crap because he was First Class and Cloud was just starting out. He smiled at the fond memories and poured soap into his hands as he scrubbed his hair. As he finished he rinsed out the soap and shut off the water. Stepping out of the shower he dried himself off and tied the towel around his waist before walking over to his closet to look for clothes to wear. He clicked on the light and ruffled through his many items of black. He never wore any other color but that. Pulling out a sleeveless black vest and black jeans along with black underwear he got dressed and tied his boots on before heading downstairs. He never bothered with brushing his hair because it never did what he wanted it to.

Vincent was waiting downstairs at the bar for Cloud to arrive. That guy took forever in the morning' he didn't know better he would say Cloud was possessed by a teenage his head he saw Cloud come down the stairs with his hands in his pockets looking so damn hot. "Cloud,over here."

Cloud paused on the stairs debating whether or not he should go back upstairs and lock himself in or face the dark man. He really didn't want to run scared like a chicken. So he walked over and sat beside Vincent. "What are you doing here,I didn't take you for an alcoholic."

Vincent's mouth pulled up in a smile as he took his bloody mary from Tifa and sipped some of it through the straw. Setting it down he turned to address Cloud. " I know about Shinra."

Cloud swallowed not understanding why he still felt so sick everytime he heard that name. He shouldn't have a weak stomach being an Ex-Soldier and all. But he was and he was afraid of getting his old job back. Lowering his head he whispered. "You heard?"

Vincent watched a shadow cover Cloud's sad blue eyes turning them a stormy just as soon as it had come it had vanished. He reached out and put his hand on Cloud's arm. "Cloud,what's wrong?"

Cloud watched the passerbyers for a few minutes then he turned to Vincent and dropped his guard. "Where did you hear that from?"

Vincent saw a bitterness to Cloud's eyes that wasn't there before. He gently squeezed Cloud's arm hoping it would ease the blond's worries. "Tifa told me,Why you being so gloomy?"

Cloud shook his head slowly not wanting to bring those memories back to life."I'd rather not open an old scar." he stood up stretching.

Vince knew about Cloud's past job as an Ex-Soldier from he didn't know why Cloud was so reluctant too say anything about his previous profession. "Being stubborn as an ass I see."

Cloud's eyebrow's went up and his blue eyes gave off a glacial stare that would freeze anyone. But obviously it had no affect on the psycho infront of him. "I don't wish to discuss my past with you."

Vincent could feel Cloud's anger and sadness because it surrounded him like a curtain that was hard to see through. "Are you sure about that?"

Cloud hated Vincent's arrogant attitude with a passion. "You don't need to know anything about me." he paid for his orange juice and left the bar.

Vincent paid for his half-drunk Bloody Mary and followed the blond outside to the porch as he held up his hands in a sign of peace and surrender. He could not face Cloud's anger right now he did not want that. "I won't press you any further on this Cloud,I promise"

Cloud eyed him wearily then sat down his head in his hands. "Shinra is no longer my place." he felt so drained of energy lately. "Not since Zack and Aeris." he trailed off at the painful memory.

Vincent could imagine how Cloud felt. He had loved someone once too. It hurt him to remember her touch and smile now. He looked over and gasped as Cloud started to cry. "My god,whats wrong."

Cloud hadn't realized that Zack's and Aeris's death had caused this much pain until now. He wiped his eyes and stood up. " I will avenge my friend's,I will show them that I'm not weak."

Vincent couldn't believe this. He watched as Cloud turned to him and smiled sadly. He didn't know why he was feeling these things for Cloud. But he damn sure had to make them stop. "I know you will and I'll help you get your revenge because I know it's very important to you Cloud"

Cloud eyed Vincent wearily then for the first time since his friend's deaths. He smiled "Deal,we will fight Shinra together."

Vincent was stunned at how gorgeous the blond's smile really was. He held his hand out and grasped Cloud's hand tightly in his own. "Deal"

Cloud nodded and stood up finally able to put his past behind him and start over. "I can't do it."

Vincent jumped to his feet and pulled Cloud flush up against his chest. "You did it before with Kadaj,I know you can and I'll be there for you every step of the way."

Cloud could feel the heat rising up in his cheeks. "Um,Vince thanks for the confidence in me."

Vincent pulled away and laughed. "My house tomorrow." he disappeared instantly. Leaving Cloud behind even more confused than ever.