Prologue

Cloud awoke with a start. His body tensed and his senses alert, searching for any sign of movement. Where am I? How did I get here? He thought for a moment. Something warm stirred beside him, clearing the cobwebs in his head and he remembered. The head was pillowed against his chest and Cloud ran a hand through the impossibly soft tresses of hair. The arm draped over his waist tightened its grip before relaxing again.

He laid back into the pillow and stared at the gloomy ceiling, street lights filtered through the curtains and distant night sounds gave him a sense of tranquillity. He wasn't in Midgar anymore, haven't been for a while. This was Costa del Sol, the land of sunshine, salt water, tanning lotion and endless parties. This was truly the city that never sleeps, more so than even Midgar. But Cloud wasn't here for the sunshine or the parties, he wasn't even here for the tan, though he could probably do with one. He was here for…hmm, he wasn't sure why he was here apart from the fact that it was away from Midgar and he did own the former Shinra mansion.

Still fiddling with the soft hair, he thought back to how he got here. It felt like a long time ago, felt like an age. Maybe even another life time, but curiously, it had only taken such a short time for him to reach his current position. Just remembering felt as though he could lose what he has now. Loss, it's a familiar experience for him, he has lost too much to too many things for too little reason. But this wasn't a loss. It was a gamble he had won, against high odds mind you, and a win is a win. He had learned to take small miracles when offered without questioning if he really deserved it. Maybe he had finally forgiven himself. The green-eyed girl danced and smiled in his mind's eye, her soft voice whispered incoherent words of love and affection in his ears.

Why don't you forgive yourself already, Cloud. She had asked him when he used to still see her. Had he seen her again, he would've told her he has, though he had the feeling she already knew. Letting the memories unfold, Cloud closed his eyes and remembered.

(A.N) So, prologue is short huh? I suppose that's what prologues are. Anyway, tell me what anyone thinks, I don't think I'm on par with some of the other writers here.