Lean On Me (FF7)

28

~Cloud's POV~

"Where's Barret?" Red asks me when we board the Highwind.

"He said he had to do something real quick," I shrug, walking straight down stairs to the training room where I know I'll find Yuffie and Denzel.

"You totally messed up that picture," I hear Denzel laugh.

"Nuh-uh! I totally made it better!" Yuffie argues in a teenaged voice.

"Uh-huh," Denzel scoffs when I enter the room. He looks up and gives me a big grin, which lights up his whole pale face.

"Hey Cloud! You wanna see the staff?"

"I don't..." I start. Yuffie shoots me a look and nods towards the cabinet.

"Sure." I sigh in defeat. The young boy crawls over a few boxes along the wall and pulls the keys off their hook, climbing over. The lock clicks easily and he gently and carefully takes the staff into his small but steady hands.

"See? We painted it this cool shade of green and put a hand grippie thing on it," I smile at him enthusiasm and stand by Yuffie.

"Did you do it?" I mutter down by her ear, wrapping my arm around her back and shoulders.

"Mhmm," she turns to look at me.

"It's nice," I smile and kiss her on the temple. Denzel looks between is two, confused. He probably still thinks I'm eventually gonna marry Tifa or something. It was his little fantasy, I guess. And I guess, just like everything else, I ruined it. Yuffie crouches down to his level and pokes the one of the spikes on the end of Aeris's old staff.

"These are pretty dull," She frowns. "Maybe Cloud could help you?" I give her 'the look' before rolling my eyes and taking the weapon from his hands.

"What are you gonna do to it?" he asks worriedly.

"Show you how to use it," I grumble.

"I'm gonna go see if Cid has any hidden stashes of food," Yuffie smiles at him before jogging up the stairs. As soon as she's gone Denzel bites his lip and speaks up.

"Why did you kiss Yuffie?"

"If an enemy is running at..." I start, ignoring him.

"Why did you..."

"You then you can try to..."

"You and Tifa aren't together anymore, are you?" He speaks louder. I freeze a moment, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. Then I crouch down in front of him and stare straight into his blue eyes.

"Listen, me and Tifa were never really..."

"You faked it all?" his voice cracks. "The whole time you lived with us you guys were faking it?"

"Denzel, I..." I put my hand on his arm, but he jerks away.

"All I ever wanted was a mom and dad. You guys made me believe I had a chance. But you don't care about me."

"Yes I..."

"No you don't! You ignore me, you never help me, you avoid me. You don't care! If I had to choose between you and Tifa, everyone knows I'd choose her! Because I hate you!"

"Denzel..." he stomps away, brushing at the angry tears that fall from his eyes.

"Denzel, wait!" I call, starting after him. He whips around and repeats himself.

"I hate you, Cloud!"

Then I let him go. I hate you, Cloud! Running my hands through my hair, I pace back and forth on the training floor. He looked up to me as a father figure. I always thought I was someone he wanted to be like. But no, he saw me as a potential dad. Something I never had growing up. And then me and Tifa decided maybe it wasn't the right time for us to be official yet, so we faked it all. Every date night. Every kiss. Everything. I hate you!