The low, grey sky mirrored the dreary mood of the attendants. The wind didn't offer any sympathies, only a light breezy hand on Cloud's shoulder. He sat at the front, next to Tifa and Vexen. Behind him was Axel, his brother Reno, Leon, and Demyx. In the section next to theirs resided Yuffie, Barret, Cid, and the rest of the employees from the delivery service. Cid had even thought to bring Red, the German Shepherd Zexion used to play with as a kid. Red lay at Cid's feet with his head in his paws, whimpering on occasion. Despite the circumstances, Cloud thought wonderously, Even he knows.
It was Cloud's turn to speak, saved for last. Dragging his feet across the soft grass to the podium, he found he couldn't even look at the giant picture of Zexion, much less the casket that held his body.
He cleared his throat, swallowing the melancholic lump, "Zexion, if nothing else, was the only family I'd ever known. I can't say he was like a son to me. He grew up fast, matured fast. It's safe to say he was not just my nephew, but my best friend. Zex knew me like nobody else," Cloud's voice cracked, "All my secrets, my past, what I was feeling, at that very moment, no matter hard I tried to hide it. He just knew. I think, he did that with everybody. Zexion always knew when one of his friends was hurt, and he'd do everything in his power to help them feel better. Always quick to apologize. In return, we all tried to be there for him. We were all there, and though he never said it, I know from the bottom of my heart that he was grateful to us. He loved us. And, he'll miss us, just like we will." he finally choked and let a tear slip, "Zexion, if you can hear me… I love you, Zex. You were such a big part of me and my life, things will never be the same without you. I'll miss you so much. Wherever you are, right now, I hope you're happier. I love you…"
The ceremony ended like a slow melody, long and sweet and then fading out to a crescendo, into the finale. Unlike an orchestra, this band didn't have sheet music, only speaking from their heart. They all felt drained on top of sorrowed, emotionally exhausted. Axel and Reno went to their parents' house for solace. Demyx returned to his apartment, as well as Yuffie to hers. Barret went back to the shop. Cid followed soon after.
"C'mon, Red." he sighed, getting up. The dog whined, resisting Cid. He padded over to the casket and sat down. Cid stared, "Red? Heel, boy. Come here." Another refusal. Cid got frustrated, grabbing the dog's scruff and tugging him toward the car. The dog, usually obedient, fought the entire way. Even when they got back to the shop, for the first time ever, Cid had to keep him tied to something with a rope.
Cloud got to his feet. With a final glance at Zexion, he went to the parking lot and sat on his bike, sobbing without shame. After all, Zexion was worth a lot more than his tears. He wiped his face with his sleeve, looking up to see Tifa standing next to the bike, face red and cry-stained as his. They paused, before Tifa came to sit behind him, hugging him around the waist. Cloud placed his hands on hers and felt her shoulders shake with his as they mourned Zexion.
"Tifa… I don't want to be alone tonight. Would you mind spending the night?" Cloud could barely get the words out.
Tifa gave no objections. As she'd carpooled with Yuffie, there was no reason for Cloud to drive home the way they were. They heard the shrill crow of black birds when the bike's engine scared them into flight.
At the apartment, Cloud only took off his shoes before going back to his room. Tifa soon followed. Long ago, when they were kids, they'd share a bed whenever they had sleepovers. Now, they picked up the old practice and lay down next to each other, too tired to have any intimate thoughts or care as to what the other thought. They didn't touch, but were comforted by each other's presence. Cloud wrapped himself in her distant warmth like a blanket, duly happy that he hadn't lost everyone. In his head, he recalled himself telling Leon I shouldn't have to worry about him 24/7… A pang of self-hatred pierced his chest.
I'd accept the burden again. If it meant getting him back, I'd do it. In less than a heartbeat…
Tifa felt him sniff, "Cloud…" What could she say? She paused, then moved herself to press up against his back, her delicate fingers on his shoulders. Cloud's body curled to fit hers as his own fingers came up to hold hers. After his shaky breathing subsided, Tifa whispered, gentle as a mother's touch, "Go to sleep, alright? It's okay, I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here when you wake up." All Cloud could manage was a nod. Eventually, they fell asleep like that, in each other's embrace.
Hours later, miles away, Zexion's casket had been buried. His tombstone read:
In memory of Zexion Strife,
A dedicated scholar,
A faithful friend,
Loved.
Night had fallen. The clouds cleared to reveal a full moon and a thousand stars, winking like they knew like a deep secret. What once was a slight wisp was now a full-blown gale that kicked up the late-autumn leaves. All the black birds had left to rest in their nests, save for one. A single crow, somehow darker than the others, remained. It flew with ease through the wind, landing on Zexion's gravemarker. The bird pecked the stone like a doorknocker as if to say "Is anyone home?"
Zexion screamed.
