You'd come to measure time by how long he was away.

It was cold, without the presence you'd gotten accustomed to.

iI wonder what he's doing now./i

He always came back.

---

i"Cloud?"

"Hmmm?" The hand draped over your waist traced soft circles on your stomach.

"Can you promise me something?"

"What?" His eyes opened, blue, not green.

"Don't try to be Zack for me."

"You want Zack."

"Yes. But…I want you too."

"…okay." He placed his chin between your shoulder and neck and closed his eyes.

His breathing was your lullaby. i

---

As you slept, he let himself in.