"So - you coming or not?" he asked, smiling at Cloud.

Cloud took a step forward - and took Zack's hand.

"Cloud? Cloud!"

Someone kept repeating his name over and over. He groaned a little, turning his head, "...buggeroff..."

Then he felt someone shake him gently, "Cloud?"

The blonde winced at the sudden burst of light, and, slowly, he blinked his eyes open.

...Aeris?

"...Aeris?" he siad hoarsely, then coughed as the person came into view.

"Aeris?" Kadaj frowned.

Cloud blinked up at him, "...I..."

Kadaj nodded, "We're safe. And your home."

Cloud made to sit up, but a sharp pain in his side reminded him that he was indeed, still alive. After a battling moment, Cloud collapsed against the headboard, clenching his teeth a little.

He looked at Kadaj with bleary eyes. The teen looked rested, but had a few scratches and bruises on his face. He wore black baggy pants along with a sleevless turtleneck that he left unzipped. There were bandages on his arms.

"Is...everyone - " Cloud began.

"They're fine - but you've been out for three days." Kadaj picked up a glass of water from the locker by Cloud's bed and handed it to him. Cloud took it gratefully and emptied it in one gulp, resulting in another fit of coughs. Kadaj looked at him seriously, "Ms. Lockheart thought you weren't going to make it though. And..." he leaned on his knees, "So did everybody else... "

Cloud watched him, more wide awake now.

"Ms. Lockheart refused to leave your side - but Loz managed to convince her to get some sleep. Then everybody started taking turns watching you."

Then he smiled a little, his emerald eyes twinkling, "Don't worry - I made sure Yazoo didn't draw on your face or anything."

That brought a smile to the blonde's face.

"...I don't... remember anything that happened..." he said, "How... did we escape?"

"Well - Cait Sith, that weird stuffed toy - had a helicopter waiting for us above the Crater. I met a guy on it called Reeve - he said he was a friend."

Cloud shook his head, still smiling, "Thats Reeve for you... thinking way ahead before any of us..."

"Well -" Kadaj picked up a tray from the table and sat it in front of Cloud, "Ms. Lockheart instructed me to make you eat this when you woke up. I'll leave you to it now..."

Kadaj stood up - only for Cloud to grab his arm, "Wait."

Kadaj blinked, then sat back down, "What is it?"

Cloud looked at the tray of warm food. From the smell - he knew Tifa had outdone herself for him this time. He licked his dry lips, then looked at Kadaj.

"What are you going to do now? Now that... everything is over..."

Kadaj shook his head, "Yazoo doesn't want to stay here - he said you'd drive him nuts. I know Loz doesn't want to go - cause... well, I know he likes it here. And despite what Yazoo says, I don't think he wants to leave either. None of us want to go back where we used to live. That place... its... "

Kadaj shook his head, then rubbed his eye a little forcefully, "I don't think we want to be reminded of what happened."

Cloud looked at the teen long and hard before he spoke, "You can stay here, if you want."

His eyes dropped to the food again, but he didn't really feel hungry, "Because... because I think you've proven, to me, more then enough, that Sephiroth... "

He sighed, closing his eyes, "I... can't forgive you, if I can't forgive myself for... killing you're brother." Cloud said, closing his eyes, "But... the only person who can give me forgiveness is you."

Kadaj's lips parted a little, only for them to close again, and a thougtful look passed his face, "If you feel guilty for killing someone...someone who's caused you a great deal of pain, then you're better then a human being." Kadaj shook his head, "You don't need forgiveness."

Cloud opened his mouth to protest, but Kadaj silenced him with a raised hand, only to point at the food, "Eat that - otherwise I'll have it. Ms. Lockheart's cooking is incredible."

"Is the Chocobo awake yet?" Yazoo's head popped in through the door, a marker in his hand, "That little girl Marlene let me take one of her markers..."

"I take back that first punch I allowed you!" Cloud yelled.

Yazoo stared, only to sigh and disappear, "Ah dammit..."

Kadaj shook his head, but then looked at Cloud solemly, "Well... if your not out of bed by the time we've left - goodbye, Cloud."

"Just one question before you go - " Cloud frowned, looking at the shirt, "Is that mine? Looks a little big on you..."

Kadaj nodded, "Tifa said you were the next smallest person in the house - since the kid's clothes were too small for me." Then he tugged it a little, "I'll give it back to her - "

Cloud chuckled, "Keep it."

"Zack used to wear these all the time too..." Kadaj smiled, bowing a little "So... thanks."

Cloud laid in silence as Kadaj left the room. Then he looked over at the wall.

"So, it was you all along, eh? You kept me alive."

A smile.

"You know I won't be held responsible for what they decide to do afterwards. I can't make them stay here, even if I asked them."

An understanding nod. Lips moved. Words spoke in Cloud's mind.

"Yeah, with Yazoo around...I'd say they'll be alright." Cloud raised an eyebrow, "Tell Zack and Aeris I said hi. But... don't let them expect me too soon."

A thumbs up.

Then Sephiroth vanished.

THE END.

Thank you for reading my fanfiction (bows gratefully)