shattered souls

The rain continued to patter down, splashing the cement floor. Sitting under the shade of the bus stop, the two of you sat quietly, the event from just moments before still flashing in both yours and his mind. It was something that would keep them up, most definitely. The blonde’s eyes were blanker than usual as he was deep in thought, his whole body slack — though his shirt clung onto him like a second skin as it had been soaked by the rain.

And as you glanced over at him, his own eyes meeting yours, your heart thudded painfully. No. No. You had told yourself that you would be able to let go. You told yourself that it wasn’t meant to be. That if he did say what you didn’t want to hear, it was okay. But you had never thought it would say it. You thought it was just a painfully negative thought. Not one that would become reality. But as he stood up, now standing underneath the pouring rain, his words were shuddered, heartwrenching. “….I can’t be with you.”

And suddenly, you felt tears roll down your cheeks.

—————

Though he never expressed it, even when you two had been together, you knew how much he cherished you. He never spoke it, nor did he really show it. But you knew. The tiny glint in his eyes when you came into his vision. The small quirk of a smile. The little snort of laughter that left him as you clumsily tripped — though, of course he would catch you beforehand.

So when he had broken up with you, you found it easy to accept. Or at least, at the time, you knew it was easy to accept. Because you had been heart broken that he would even utter those words. However, after the past few days, your mind came into many thoughts. Cloud was never the type to let go so easily. There had to be a reason.

You knew that he still felt the same way; that despite the fact that he tried his best to ignore you, you could feel his gaze on you when you weren’t looking. Feel his eyes linger on your form. And you knew. You knew that he didn’t mean to. And that there had to be a reason behind it.

And the moment you cornered him, demanding for an explanation — his hesitance was proof that there was something behind it. Your sudden embrace surprises him thoroughly, and he resists the urge to return it at first. Until you uttered these words: “Whatever it is, let me help you get through it.”

He did not say a thing in return to you, nor has he for the last few days, but would it have been too much for him to let you know that he didn’t want to leave?

…..

“Is everything okay?”

The concern laced in your tone calmed him, though he was a little perturbed by the fact that you had heard him in the first place as he shrugged away his terrors and replied, “I’m fine.”

As long as you’re safe.

——————————

This is all Enjeru’s writing, in which it caused me to cry helplessly in front of my screen. Just… Enjeru.. your writings always tug at my heart-string.. Sobbing.. This is too heart-breaking I just can’t stop the tears.. ;;A;;

Memory Pieces 012

Wolf Ring

“So what is it…that you wanted to show me?”

—————

He seemed curious to know what she wanted to show him, which made her smile a little at that thought. “Ah.. it’s nothing much though…” She muttered, following him into the church as she reached for her pocket bag attached to her belt once again. Digging through the small bag, she finally pulled out an accessory, the light shining through the roof reflected on it brightly.

It was a silver ring, with a familiar design of a wolf head with a ring in its mouth, resembling the symbol attached to the blonde’s shoulder fender. She grazed her finger along the small piece of accessory tenderly. “I..bought this in my world.. since it reminds me of you… but it’s too big for me, I can’t wear it. So I just keep it with me all the time.” She paused for a moment, presenting it to him. “I…want you to have this…”

Cloud’s POV

He glanced down at the familiar wolf, cocking his head to the side as he listened to your explanation. So this was a ring…from your world? Even then, you had already been thinking about him. It made his heart skip a beat, realizing that you had been yearning to see him all this time. And yet…here you are now. Right before him. He gratefully accepted the ring, It wouldn’t be safe to wear it on his finger, seeing as though he had gloves on. But…

“I’ll wear it around my neck.” He spoke, as if promising you that he would have it on somehow. “….T..Thanks.” Cloud murmured quietly, fingers closed together to hold onto the silver band tightly.

—————

“I’m glad… I could give you something..from my world..”
“Since I always feel like… I don’t belong here.. With that ring.. at least you’ll have something..from where I come from… So..we’ll be linked together.. somehow..?”

Memory Pieces 011

Device

“Why don’t you ask her yourself? As to how she arrived here?”

“…Do you…know, Liolf?”

—————

Watching the two males exchanges conversation between themselves, she chose to remain silent until she was asked by the blonde. She was still for a moment, eyes darting to the crimson gaze and back to the aqua eyes she loved so much. Hesitantly, she gave a small nod, hand reaching back to the small pocket bag attached to her belt. Slowly and carefully, she pulled out a white game console, the screen was jet black since it wasn’t turned on since the time she came here.

“This… took me here…” She said, showing both of them the console but wouldn’t let them take it. “It’s called a PSP in my world, it’s a type of portable game console. I knew of Zack’s tale from this one. But for the tales you two is involved, it’s in different device.” She held it firmly, glazing her thumb over the flat screen. “Enjeru has one of these as well. We were together and turned the game on at the same time, like normal. But the light engulfed us, and the next thing we know.. we’re here.. in your world.”

She took a paused, eyes studying the expressions of the two, letting them taking it in before continuing. “I..haven’t turned it on again since I came here. Neither does Enjeru, as if we had a feeling, that if we do, we’ll be taken back…and we won’t be able to come here again.” At her last sentence, she looked over to the blonde, implying that she was serious about her leaving when she once said to him few days ago. Also she was implying that… she was too afraid.. to turn it back on..or else she might not be able to see him again. Just the thought of that scared her, and the pain was clear in her eyes.

Cloud’s POV

They examined the device in your hand carefully, wondering exactly what it was. It resembled a cellphone, yet its shape was entirely different. But it was something that definitely didn’t exist in their world. The two men glanced at each other before giving a swift nod. “…I would ask to experiment on it, but I’m afraid to break the device. It’d be unfortunate.” Vincent responded finally after your explanation.

“So this is it.” The blonde continued to gaze at the unknown console, wondering what it looked like when it was on. But he agreed with his dark companion. If they turned it on, who knew what would happen? What if they found themselves dragged into your world instead? It was too much of a mystery for them. “…It’s best not to turn it on.”

He was afraid. Afraid to turn it on. He didn’t want you to disappear. After finally giving into his own feelings…finally accepting it…

“But at least we know you’re telling the truth.”

Memory Pieces 010

Jealousy

“…Isn’t is true…? You’re interested in him, right?”

“But it’s different! It’s not what you think… I don’t have any feelings for him.. It’s just.. this aura about him that draws me in…And his crimson eyes… It’s attraction, not affection.”

“…So…you’re interested in him.”
“…It’s fine. Like I said, you can stay behind and talk to him if you’d like.”

————-

She felt her heart ache at his statement. She couldn’t deny that she was attracted to Vincent, she didn’t want to lie to him.. but.. he had to know the truth. “But I don’t want to stay and talk with him. I’d like to be with you, spend more time with you, not him.” She said firmly, looking deep into his aqua gaze. “Didn’t you hear me before? For me, he’s an attractive ‘character’. I likes how he looks, not he himself. There’s not even a slight hint of any feelings I felt towards you left for him. For me, it has to be you, Cloud. Always have, and always will be.” She blushed, looking away from him. “You’re the only one for me. No one else…”

Cloud’s POV

A hint of a blush started to appear on his cheeks, but he turned away so that you wouldn’t be able to see. “…A…Alright.” He nodded, gloved hand covering the bottom portion of his face, just to be sure that you couldn’t see the blushing rising against his cheeks. “….” He couldn’t believe what he was about to ask, but he couldn’t help it. “…Is he…more attractive than me…?”

—————

Despite the fact that he tried to hide it, she coud still see the faint blush rushing to his face as he looked to the side, avoiding her eyes. The question that came after made her pause for a moment, before a gentle smile spread across her lips. Her hand reached down to lace her fingers with his free one as she shook her head gently. “Not even close…” She chimed, standing tiptoe to kiss him softly on his gloved hand that were covering his face, at the area of his lips. “You’re the most charming guy I’ve ever seen..”

Cloud’s POV

“….” He spoke no words, only allowed his face to heat up even more than before as he removed his hand so that he could press a hesitant kiss on your forehead. It would take him awhile before he would get used to such displays of affection. A corner of his lips twitched upward almost unnoticeably. “…I believe you.”

Memory Pieces 009

Meeting Vincent

She then glanced over to the dark haired man, a small smile tugged her lips as her face dusted with slight blush. “And may I say, it’s a pleasure to get to meet you in person, Vincent Valentine.” Finally had time to give a proper greeting, she bowed down slightly, hoping he would understand the reason on why she would want to meet him. She knew him as a fictional character afterall. Her heartbeat was becoming a little faster once she got all the truth out and that mysterious charm of his is affecting her again.

Cloud’s POV

“…The pleasure is mine.” He remarked, taking a seat before gesturing for the two of you to sit down. “I never expected to meet…someone from another world. Much less in these circumstances.” He gave an implied glance between the blonde and you, an amused quirk of the lips. “….I’m guessing you two have some sort of relationship.”

“H-Huh?” His cerulean eyes widened, not expecting this sort of treatment from the usually silent gunner. “By relationship..you mean…?”

“What else do you think I mean?” A low, amused chuckle leaving his lips.

“….I never knew I was that obvious.” Cloud muttered under his breath, feeling slightly embarrassed. Then again, he should’ve expected it from Vincent. He seemed to read people’s emotions so easily. “…Is it obvious?”

“No. To others, no. But to me, it’s as clear as day.” At that comment, the swordsman looked at you carefully.

Memory Pieces 008

Life

She turned her gaze away once more, this time, she directed it to the sky above. If it weren’t for that man, she wouldn’t be able to meet Cloud. An appreciating smile curved her lips as she look far away, into the clear sky above.

“Thank you… Zack..”

“…If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be alive.”
“…And I wouldn’t have met you.”
“I used to wonder why I was the one that survived. Why those around me had to die.”
“…I can appreciate it now. The life I have.”

—————

She smiled at him, her heart filled with happiness that he now understand the meaning of his own life. No words could express her feelings right now, so she simply nodded her head, giving him another bright smile.

“Stay with me..” She muttered out, face blushing slightly, but she meant it. The life he has, she wanted him to live it to the fullest, and stay by her side as long as the fate would allow them.

Cloud’s POV

He was caught off-guard by your sudden request, but nodded slowly, surely. He wouldn’t mind spending his life with you. Getting to know you better. Discovering new things about the world together. It sounded….nice. To have someone beside him, to comfort each other. He had never thought about it before. But now, it suddenly became clear to him.

“…I will.”

Memory Pieces 007

I love you…

“I love you… Cloud… I love you..”

“…I know.”

—————

The feel of his strong arms around her, and the feel of his embrace was…different. It was different than before… The hesitation she would sense every time he hugged her was gone…instead it was replaced with such gentle, strong and reliable feeling. It was something she’d never felt before. This was the first time..he embraced her like this.. And it was the first time..she ever felt like this with someone.

He was her one and only. The only one she’d love, the only one she would give this heart to. No one else. And the moment his hand tugged under her chin and his lips were upon her, everything around her just stopped. She accepted his kiss through the pouring tears, accepting all his feelings as she returned it with her own. Just this one moment, one kiss, it was enough for the exchange of any emotions they’ve felt so far. It had to be him, only him. No one else, and nothing else matter anymore.

Cloud’s POV

He broke the kiss hesitantly, eyes opening halfway to gaze into your eyes. “…Liolf…” He murmured, gloved hand brushing against your cheek in an affectionate manner. Your name slipping out of his lips, a loving tone accompanied it. “I…”

Was he going to say it? Could he find the courage to say his feelings and be able to protect her afterwards? To not regret it? To the blonde, this would be the moment that would change his life. By saying these three words, he was accepting not only you, but the fact that he would risk your life to be with you. That there would be a chance he would get you into troubling situations.

But he knew that it would be better this way. He wouldn’t let you get injured. He’ll protect you. He’ll muster up all his strength and courage to chase after you if you were to get kidnapped. He’d defend you with all of his being. And with his fate sealed, he finally spoke those three words you yearned to hear since the moment you fell in love with him.

“I love you.”

Memory Pieces 006

Don’t go…

She felt her heart drop when he complied to what she said. She didn’t want to admit…. but she was hoping… that he would say something.. anything… to stop her from leaving. But.. it seemed like it was a mere impossible hope afterall. As soon as he left the church, she fell to her knees, hugging herself tightly as her whole body trembling hard. Believing he was gone, her dam of feelings broke apart into million pieces.

“——————————!!!!!” She cried out, desperately, agonizingly, screaming her heart out and let everything broke loose. Her tears, her heart, her body, her soul, everything… it just fell apart in that instant. Her mouth parted to give way to another scream, even more tortured than the previous one. All she could do was cry, again and again, louder, more painful, piercing.

“ILOVEYOU ILOVEYOU ILOVEYOU ILOVEYOU !!!!!!” She repeated her words again and again, believing there were nothing that could hear her now. It was…. too much. Tears was overflowing, as well as her heart that shattered repeatedly, slowly dissolved into nothing. “I LOVE YOU CLOUD, YOU IDIOT!!” She screamed out, before bringing her hands to hug herself tightly once again, sobbing mournfully. “I never want to leave you.. I want to stay with you.. forever.. forever… Why can’t you.. understand that…?”

Cloud’s POV

The painful, excruciating shriek from inside caused him to lift his head, glassy cerulean eyes gazing at the doorway as he heard you cry. The sound of you screaming that phrase over and over again. Slowly, he found himself getting off the floor, stumbling as he treaded back inside, the door creaking loudly as he pushed himself in. Blurry vision landing on the trembling figure in the center. Listening to the words that poured out of your mouth.

Poured out of your heart and soul. He clumsily made his way over before stumbling to his knees before you. His arms wrapping around you as he brought you into a tight embrace. Your tears soaking his shirt as he sat you on his lap, his face buried into your silky hair. His own tears tracing down his cheek to drip onto your locks as he held onto you tighter. “….Don’t….”

“Don’t go….”

Memory Pieces 005

Lie

“It’s okay… if I make you uncomfortable.. I’ll leave..”
“I’ll go back… to my world..”
“You’ve been… so kind to me… You’ve done enough already.. you don’t have to say anything..”

“…I haven’t been kind at all. I hate this change.”

—————

Her eyes widened once again, the hurtful words from him directed to her heart. So… he wanted her to leave? His words and actions were somehow contradicting each other, but if he wanted it to be that way, who was she to deny his request.

“It’s okay,” she assured him, trying her best not to cry outloud, but still, quiet sobs were still able to be heard. She clenched her hands tightly, taking a step backward. “You don’t have to take me back. I will return to my world, if that’s what you want me to do. You can just leave me here…” She explained to him, clenching her own palm tighter. She wondered if Enjeru would be mad.. if she go back to the the real world without telling her beforehand.

Cloud’s POV

“…” He never pictured himself to be this heartless. To actually go as far as to hurting someone’s feelings while he ran away from his problems, from his feelings. Everything just seemed so complicated to him at the moment. But his heart made a twist. Would you leave that easily? Could you really disappear from him in the blink of an eye? He didn’t know if he could withstand that. Resist the urge to grab onto you at the last second before you disappeared. “…Alright.”

He walked outside steadily, leaving you in the empty church as he made his way to his bike. As soon as the doors covered him, took him away from your vision, he fell to the floor. Was he really doing this to himself? Bringing so much pain to the both of you…would it be worth it in the end?

His vision was becoming blurry. Why? A hand came up, finger wiping the corner of his eye. Oh. He was…crying. How unusual. His heart ached and tears were actually coming out of his eyes. He would probably regret this. But for your happiness, he would hold back. He would stay here, where you couldn’t see him. “…I think I do have feelings for you…” He murmured under his breath, allowing the tears to roll down his cheek. How quickly his first love would end.

Memory Pieces 004

Truth

She took in a deep breath to steady herself, closing her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again, her gaze was serious, and there was absolutely no hint of hesitation or uncertainty in her eyes.

“Your world.. is told through a game…in my world.” She confessed, not breaking the eyes contact. “Everything on this planet. Your tale, from the beginning of it all. How it started, how it ended. It was told through a game, entitled “Final Fantasy”.” She explained, trying to make it so that he would understand. “That’s why.. I know so much about you, Cloud. I’ve played as you, became you yourself. I feel everything that you felt, your agony, your guilt, the despair. Everything. Even Zack, I felt his pain on his last battle, I know of his thoughts. That’s why I know… he wanted you to live on.”

She took a pause, giving him time to take it in slowly before continued again. “I said I know all about you, and I accepted everything that is you, it’s the truth. I’ve been through it, everything you’ve been through. I’ve felt your sadness, your loss. But the only thing I didn’t know, is what was on your heart.” She bit her lip, hesitating on how she should say this. Maybe this would make him hate her forever, but he had to know the truth.

“For me, you’re not just a character in a game. You’re real. Always had been, and always will be.” She took a deep breath, holding back the tears. Why did she feel an urge to cry? Maybe she knew he was going to run away from her again, after knowing the truth. Her eyes were brimmed with tears as she said the last words. “I love you, Cloud.”

Cloud’s POV

He listened to your story intently. It all seemed so…crazy. So unbelievably insane that he couldn’t help but believe your words anyways. It all seemed to add up. It seemed to make sense. Maybe…in another world, his reality was another’s amusement. Though the idea was sickening, it was a logical explanation as to why you knew so much about him. No matter how much he wouldn’t want to believe it, he would have to force himself to accept it as the truth.

The clear, evident look in your eyes was enough proof that everything you spoke of was the truth. You were being honest, fair. You were revealing yourself to him. The secret you probably had wanted to keep. So you even knew about Zack…? A side of Zack that he probably didn’t even know. The blonde couldn’t help but want to ask about him. Ask how his role model was. Ask…if he was becoming the living legacy that he wanted him to be.

But now that all of this had been told, he knew that it was undeniable. Your love for him was genuine. If you had really seen the role he played, and yet still continued to accept him…who was he to deny you? Though he felt a bit…worried now. Worried that all his thoughts would be discovered by you in the blink of an eye. Just by your gaze. “I see.”