YES!! IT'S DONE!! (dance, party, confetti) Phew. I'm so happy! :D Well, here you go teh LAST CHAPTER of this story! I'm sorry to disappoint you guys who wanted me to write more, but I really needed to end this, I have another story to work on! But anyway, the only reason I got this far with this story is because of you BEAUTIFUL GORGEOUS people who have left me FANTASTIC reviews that literally made my days! :D I LOVE you guys, so much, and this chapter is TOTALLY for you, so I hope you enjoy it!

"Kadaj…"

An incoherent, mumbling noise came from my throat and my head nuzzled itself into the side of your neck. A chuckle was heard from you, and you gently took my left hand that was resting on your thigh into your own, lacing our fingers.

"Kadaj…wake up…we're almost there. But we'll rest here for a day before we take the ferry tomorrow."

"F..ferry? What's that?" I managed to say sleepily, my eyes still closed.

"It's like a boat…"

"What's a boat?"

"It's…you'll see. It's a way of transport across water."

At this, I blinked slowly, raising my head.

"We're going across water?"

"We're in Junon. I'm taking you across to the other continent- to Costa Del Sol."

I blinked again, and looking around our surroundings, I realized we were indeed in Junon- I had been here only once before. I also realized it was quite early morning, as the sun was rising, the sky a beautiful shade of orange. The streets were empty and you had stopped right in front of a hotel. Although still tired, I felt somehow relieved and very calm, as though there were not a trouble in the world. It was quite the exhilarating feeling, but I was too sleepy to enjoy it.

"Okay…Niisan, I want to go to bed."

"I can tell. Come on, let's get a room and you can go back to sleep," you said gently, getting off your vehicle and helping me get down as well.

You left our few possessions with me, except the Souba which you had tucked into the many compartments of your motorcycle to prevent any suspicion. Once we had our room, I snuggled myself into one of the beds as you tucked your possessions away in various drawers. While I slept, you went out to buy things we would need. No dreams or nightmares disrupted my rest anymore. When I awoke, I saw you sorting out and packing away the things you had bought, except an outfit that you had left out for me to wear. Since my leather attire would make me stand out too much, it was a wise idea. You made me try on all the clothes you had bought me, to make sure they fit. I found it interesting doing such a thing, and surveyed over my new pieces of clothing as I put them on in the bathroom. It was odd at first, looking in the mirror and seeing myself wearing things other than my leather, but I figured it was something I would get used to. The only piece of clothing that confused me was what appeared to be cotton shorts with an elastic band at the top. They didn't look quite appropriate to wear exposed in public…so what were they for? When I came out of the bathroom with them on and a T shirt, you laughed before telling me they were boxers, which were meant to be worn under pants. Having never worn any type of underclothing before, this was entirely new to me, yet I couldn't help but blush at my nativity. To make me feel better, you suddenly grabbed me and tossed me lightly onto the bed, smothering my mouth with yours as you eagerly touched my newly exposed skin, your fingertips leaving light, invisible trails along my arms and my neck. When you were finished with my mouth, you picked up my left shin gently, placing a kiss on my knee. I giggled at the odd sensation that formed there and looked at you in amused question. You met my twinkling eyes and smiled, our lips meeting again shortly.

The next morning we left the hotel to get on the ferry, which made me a bit nervous as I noticed we would be surrounded by water. You assured me though that it was safe, and held my hand as we walked onto it. I clung to you tightly nonetheless, as the ferry would wobble a little bit every time someone got on. Once it actually started moving, I held you even closer, startled. You didn't seem to mind, holding me gently against you, and stroking my hair as a means of calming me down. As I looked over the sparkling blue ocean, clear, puffy cloud filled sky, and bright yellow sun, my nerves died down some as I enjoyed the scenery, although my grip on you was relentless. You tried talking to me to distract me, and it worked for awhile, until the ferry shook suddenly and I shrieked in fear, burying my head into your chest. Finally, after about hour, we reached Costa Del Sol, and I practically ran off of the ferry, making a mental note never to ride that thing again. I only waited for you to collect our bags and your motorcycle. Once you returned and everything was packed within the confides of your vehicle, we zoomed off through the tropical town, you obviously knowing where you were headed.

We arrived shortly at quite a beautiful hotel, where you said we would stay at until you could find somewhere we could live permanently. It was close to the beach, and I noticed it was also quite warm here. We settled into our cozy, clean hotel room, putting our clothing in the closet, placing other items in the drawers and in the bathroom. Once done, you took me out into the town for breakfast and we toured around a bit, the heat causing me to sweat and I became very thirsty. You bought me some water, and I used it for two purposes- to drink it, and to pour it over myself. You found this amusing, and overall, I enjoyed my first day here, although by early evening I made you bring me back to the hotel to shower, and to take a nap.

On the fifth night of our stay, I could have not felt happier. I was actually having fun for the first time in my life and had never felt at such peace. Although the sun had rendered my skin pink and sore, despite the fact that you said you had bought me the strongest sunscreen available, it was wonderful to actually see it. I wasn't quite used to the heat, but our room had what you called air conditioning, which I knew made it cool, so all was fine. In the past few days, I had experienced things I never had before.

Once I got used to the sand on the beach, you taught me how to make sand castles using these little buckets with imprints molded into them. I was disappointed when after turning the plastic container over, instead of a castle, there was only a pile of sand in front of me. A pout formed on my face and you laughed at this, telling me I had to use wet sand by the water, not the dry sand.

"But I'm scared of the water, Niisan!"

"Okay, I'll go get you some then."

You got me a whole bucket full of the harder, damp substance and I greeted you with a smile. Filling the bucket I had between my legs with the cold sand, I packed it in nicely with the little plastic shovel, waited a few moments, and then flipped it over, pleased to see my little sand castle formed once I pulled off the bucket. You smiled at it as well before you helped me make more little castles and when we were done, they all together made one large castle. I felt some odd sense of accomplishment, and you seemed equally pleased, although it seemed you were more cheerful over the fact that I was happy, rather than having built sand castles.

Also, we went out to eat for every meal, and I had eaten a lot of things I had never tried before. I grew to be fond of fruit, especially strawberries and raspberries, and also I had a liking for ice cream. Costa Del Sol had quite a few nice restaurants to dine at, and you always let me pick which one we should go to. The people here were pretty friendly and didn't seem to notice my apparent inhuman features too much. This was a bit of relief and for some silly reason, I felt safe here.

You had also made me overcome my hydrophobia and brought me into the ocean. I had clung to you as though for dear life the entire time as you dragged me in deeper, but like you promised, you never let go of me. You swirled me around and lifted me up when a wave would come and eventually I got accustomed to the raging water, enough to enjoy myself.

A smile came over my face as I remembered all the happy, enjoyable events we had, letting the cool water from the shower head fall over my sun-kissed skin. I washed it gently, as it was still a little sore, but the redness had died down considerably. My normally ivory skin was now tinted a couple shades darker, although the tops my cheeks, my nose, and the skin around my collarbones were still pink. Freckles also had started to appear randomly upon my body, most prominently on and around my cheek bones. I thought they were weird, but you said they made me look cute. You had freckles in the same place I did, so I didn't feel singled out. You also were equally burnt from the sun.

As I cleansed myself, I remembered the third day of my time here. I had spent it on the beach, out in the sun all day, and in my joyful state as we played around and made sand castles, I failed to notice the angry shade of crimson that had formed along my skin. By evening, I had become a bit tired and you brought me back to the hotel to nap while you went to run some errands. I awoke from my rest a couple hours later, pleased to see you were beside me, sleeping as well. I smiled down at you as I sat up slowly, my hand reaching out to stroke your fluffy golden locks- until I noticed the color of my arm. Eyes widening in shock, I looked at my other arm, finding it same color. Startled, I got off the bed and went to the mirror, gasping when I saw myself.

"Niisan! Niisan wake up!"

"Wha-"

"Niisan, something's wrong with me-"

"Huh?"

"I'm red all over and my skin hurts…and my hair is white! It's like it's been bleached! And-"

You were quiet a moment before laughing, and I glared at you, irritated.

"Niisan, it's not funny!"

"Kadaj, it's just sunburn, that's all. If you haven't noticed, you're very pale, so the sun's rays affect you more. The sun is also strong enough here to fade your hair. Just go and take a shower with cool water, wash your skin gently and put conditioner in your hair so it doesn't dry out. Once you're clean and dry, just put on a lot of lotion. The pain will go away in a couple days."

"Oh…okay. Thanks…just don't touch me for awhile."

A chuckle came from you, your sapphire eyes sparkling with amusement.

"That'll be pretty hard to do, but I'll try."

Our eyes met with smiles before you reached up and kissed me gently.

"That doesn't hurt, does it?"

"No," I replied with an amused smirk before leaning down to meet your lips with mine once again before I went off to the bathroom.

My lips pulled up happily at this memory, and it seemed almost unbelievable after all that had happened just a week ago that we could obtain such bliss. I had never seen you so cheerful, and at ease, you even had a sense of humor that I was growing fond of. Then again, the contentment and joy that had taken over me since we had come here I had never experienced either. So this was what life was supposed to be like…as I stepped out the shower, cool drops running down my soaked form, dripping onto the rug below me, I wondered where I would be right now if I had decided never to visit you. With a shiver, a cold feeling came over my heart as I figured I would probably be…dead.

But that didn't matter because I wasn't dead, I was here, with you, in this beautiful town, in a place where I actually felt comfortable and loved, felt happy, and nothing could take that away from me. Nothing. It was more than I could ever ask for.

Reassured, I continued to gently dry myself, applying lotion everywhere I could reach- you always put it on my back for me. Slipping into a cotton, navy blue pair of boxers and a loose, white T-shirt which was to be my nightwear, I exited the bathroom and threw myself on our plushy bed, bouncing a bit on the fluffy mattress. The glare from the television gave the beige walls a bluish type glow, as the sky had fallen black outside, stars scattered upon it. We spent the previous night on the beach, admiring the natural beauty of the night sky, it's moon and stars being reflected by the ocean. I was enchanted by it, until I could feel your eyes on me. I met my glowing orbs with yours, and the moon reflecting off of you, your skin that creamy porcelain, your eyes as blue as the ocean with a little ring of mako green around your pupil, your spiky indifferent locks lightened to a pale blonde, it reminded me of the first night I saw you. You looked at me with the same reminiscing gaze, and suddenly the distance between us was gone as you claimed my lips, sneaking your tongue between them to explore my mouth for the umpteenth time. I succumbed to the warm feeling that had blossomed within me and to your talented mouth, which I was slowly attempting to explore with my own tongue, and fell lightly on the towel we had been sitting on, you easily slipping into place on top of me. As we become lost in our passionate kissing, I felt something I never had before…it was like a fiery, burning type feeling, forming most noticeably between my legs. It died down once we stopped and rested for awhile, but I was questionable as to what it was. It felt like love, but much more extreme…I didn't have the courage to ask you about it.

But even now, my back on the cotton, soft sheets, my dazed eyes looking up at the ceiling but not seeing it, as I was lost in this heated remembrance, it seemed to spark up again. A blush came over my cheeks as this realization, but the feeling disappeared again as you came through the door. The color in my face dropping, thankfully, I sat up and smiled at you, my expression returned.

"Tired, are we?"

"No…I was just waiting for you. What's that?"

I indicated the little brown bag you were holding.

"Oh! I got you a little treat," you explained with a smile, putting your hand in the bag to take out said treat as you approached me.

"Oh?" I questioned excitedly, moving over toward the side of the bed you were nearing.

Removing your hand from the interior of the bag, my eyes widened in pleasant surprise.

"Ice cream! With strawberries!"

You chuckled at my gleeful exclamation as I took the foam cup from you, removing the plastic cover that was concealing the cold, sweet desert.

"It's a strawberry sundae. I thought you would like it," you said, smile still on your lips, as you kicked off your boots and joined me on the bed.

I heard you chuckle again as I found the plastic spoon within the bag, tossing it away and shoving the light utensil into the soft ice cream, picking up a large spoonful and shoving it in my mouth. Its cool vanilla goodness pleased me, and once I swallowed, I picked up a fresh strawberry with my spoon, devouring it just as well.

"It's good I suppose?" you asked, amusement in your voice as I was quiet for several moments, too involved in the wonderfully sweet treat in front of me.

"Yes…It's really good…thank you…"

"It's nothing."

I continued my eating until your hands slipping under my shirt startled me for a moment, until I realized you were just putting lotion on my back. I relaxed and returned to my previous actions, although I became oddly aware of your toughened palms and smooth fingers making circles on my lightly tanned skin as you spread the cool cream over it.

"By the way, how's your sunburn?"

"It's fine. It doesn't hurt anymore."

"Good."

Silence fell between us as your hands returned to their continuous circles, and my mouth returned to savoring my ice cream, the dull sound from the television only breaking the silence lightly.

"Niisan, do you want any?"

"That's okay, Kadaj. You enjoy it."

I followed your words, though I noticed one of your hands was still on my backside, although the lotion had already been spread thoroughly. Instead of making circles, it was just simply traveling along my cool skin, tracing invisible patterns. I didn't know what to make of it, so I tried to focus on my desert, but for whatever reason it seemed hard to do. My attention was only on your hand, and it soothed me until you started to feel along my spine. An odd sensation came over me and I shivered as those cold fingertips traveled along my backbone in a straight, determined path. A gasp escaped my lips as they found the sensitive skin of my lower back, stopping right above the waistband of my boxers. Taking a different turn, they trailed around my waist until they reached my navel. I was almost disappointed when they stopped, my ice cream forgotten in my right hand.

You wrapped your arms around my small waist and pulled me backward onto your lap, and I smiled, although not quite sure why. I always liked being close to you…this was no different. Yet there was something out of the ordinary lingering in the air, but I couldn't place what it was.

Your head looked over my shoulder, down at the almost devoured treat. Finding control of my arms again, I picked up a spoonful of the lightly melted cream and brought it to your mouth. You looked at it for a second and then looked at me. I smiled at you and fed you the ice cream, which you gladly accepted.

"I asked you if you wanted some before…I've eaten all the strawberries by now," I said in a softer, lightly amused tone. You chuckled, something I couldn't identify shining in your mysterious orbs.

"That's okay…I'll still get to taste them," you mentioned, and I noticed there seemed to be something suggestive in your voice. You simply took the cup and spoon out of my hands and placed me back on the bed gently before putting said items on the bedside table. Eyeing the remote, I clicked the TV off, and just as I was about to place it on the other bedside table nearest me, a warm mouth suddenly descended at the back of my neck. A tingly, warm sensation sprouted from that unknowingly sensitive spot and a soft, surprised moan came from my throat, the remote dropping to the floor, forgotten.

"Niisan…" my voice managed softly, surprise and confusion laced with it, the heat in my face rising.

There were no other words I could say before you took me by my waist and tossed me on the pillows, covering my mouth with your own. The fiery emotion returned to me as your slick muscle ran along my palette, before my tongue was brought into your mouth as you sucked on it lightly. A smothered moan sounded from my throat, and although we had done something similar to this before, it was also entirely different for reasons I couldn't explain. My arms wound themselves tight around your neck, my tongue moving in sync with yours, the sweet flavor of vanilla still lingering in your mouth. This seemed to fuel the fire that was forming within me, as our kissing became more intense, tongues becoming part of a battle of dominance. My mind was losing grip on reality as I lost awareness of our surroundings, only noticing your gentle fingers moving slowly upward along the tender skin of my softly built chest. Curious fingertips found a nipple and pressed against it, causing me to break away from your sweet mouth to gasp again, surprised at the sensitivity. Your fingers moved again in those insane circles over it and I moaned, helpless to the questioning feeling that was slowly driving me into madness.

Grabbing my thin shirt, which was now only reduced to a nuisance, you pulled it over my head in one swift movement, the coolness in the air soothing to me, as I became aware I was quite warm. My hands found the ends of the material concealing your chest, tugging it off, not with such grace as you did but at least the suddenly scorned material was off. My inquisitive eyes wandered over your fit, smooth chest that too had tanned slightly, and my eyes suddenly noticed something dark on your left arm. Pulling on your wrist to see it better, I gasped lightly as I realized with hurt shock that it was geostingma. I stared at it, sadness taking over my expression...you were going to die...why didn't you tell me? My saddened, questioning eyes met yours, which held a bit of shame from not telling me this fatal fact. Almost instantly though, a variety of emotions appeared in your glowing cerulean jewels and I could not figure them out.

I would not have the time to figure them out anyway as your lips swooped down over mine again, but not as harsh as before. Your lips just simply pressed against mine, slowly but firmly, gently moving along my mouth, almost in the same way you had done the first time you kissed me. I smiled against your mouth for a moment as this thought occurred to me before I returned your sweet, light kisses with ease, as this time I actually knew what I was doing. After a few moments though, your lips broke away to instead explore my throat, suckling and nibbling their way down until they reached my chest. My eyes were shut in pleasure, every spot your mouth touched left with that same tingly sensation, and my mind refused to focus on nothing else. A low, murmuring sound of contentment made itself heard of its own accord as those talented lips moved along my right collarbone, wondering tongue occasionally reaching out to taste my heated skin. As I focused on your mouth tracing my other collarbone, I could nearly feel the blood rushing through me, particularly to something between my thighs and I felt almost dizzy. As you placed hot kisses along my chest, your hands wandered down to my hips, pulling at the cotton material concealing the lower half of me. My hands, which were left nearly unnoticed at my sides, gripped the sheets as I slowly moved upward, aiding you in your task to remove my boxers. Your mouth broke away from my abdomen in the process, but finally after a few moments, the useless piece of clothing was slipped off and thrown aside.

Noticing that I was completely bare in front of you now, embarrassment and shame swept over me, painting my cheeks red. I watched your eyes as they trailed over me, and was relieved to see acceptance in them. Our eyes met- and so did our mouths. As you lay yourself over me, I felt something poke me, and blushed a bit when I realized what it was. Even so, my lips moved up in a smirk against yours, and I pushed my hands against your chest, signaling that I wanted you to lift up. You did so, looking at me questionably until my hands found the button of your pants, undoing it, as well as your zipper. Realizing what I wanted, you smiled lightly before removing your pants, as well as your boxers yourself, also tossing them aside. As I gazed at your naked form, that fiery emotion flared, consuming me as I was suddenly overtaken by demanding want.

Our mouths met again almost viciously, lost in the need to want more of whatever this was. Suddenly warm fingers contacted themselves with the now damp skin of my lower abdomen, traveling downwards steadily until they found that sensitive part of me. My entire sense of self was thrown back into far corners of my mind as my head was tossed back, my eyes rolled, my back arched, and a near scream was ripped from my throat. The heat within my body intensified, beads of sweat falling into my damp hair, my heart was pounding in my ribcage, and I felt as though I had gone insane. You continued touching me there, stroking my swollen organ, my breath coming out in short gasps, the silence in our room broken by my loud moans. You suddenly took your hand away and I made a noise of protest, until you laid down over me. Your equally bare, hot, smooth body over mine caused another soft gasp to escape my lips, which was soon replaced with a sudden cry as you moved your hips into mine, causing our members to rub together. A low moan sounded from you, growing increasing louder as our hips ground into each other, my pleasure-induced cries eventually drowning out your sounds.

You stopped suddenly, and moved off of me, reaching for the lotion at the bed side table. Panting, the sheet under me wet with perspiration, my eyes half-lidded, I watched you curiously as you spread the cream over your erection, and then over two of your fingers on your right hand. I was puzzled, but there was no time to think as your lips met with mine, tongues slipping in, an action as old as time. Your hand fell upon my thigh, slipping onto the heated, sensitive skin of its interior, my leg pulling up as a reaction to give you more room to explore. Your lips pulled away from mine to suck on my neck, my eye lids shutting again in heated bliss- until I felt your fingers push themselves inside me. My eyes widened a bit, not only due to the brief pain, but it was an odd feeling. You were gentle, and as you prepared me, I suddenly figured out what was meant to replace your fingers. I suddenly became anxious, but it dissolved a moment later when your wandering fingers pressed against something tender and extremely sensitive inside of me.

My back arched again, my wide eyes shutting as I screamed at the electrifying sensation that shot through me as you touched that spot. My once stiff frame seemingly melted into the sheets. Your fingers suddenly pulled out and I felt oddly empty, until you spread apart my thighs and placed your member at my entrance. I looked up at you, a question of certainty floating in your bright orbs. I smiled, and brought myself up on my elbows to kiss you softly, silently answering your question.

With that, you waited until I laid back down, and pressed a kiss to my sweaty forehead before you shoved your entire length inside me, a scream emitting from my throat as you groaned. Your mouth came over mine again, your hand reaching down to stroke my leaking erection, in an attempt to distract me from the pain. It worked quite well, and after a few minutes I felt adjusted, you being reassured by my relaxed body. You started that motion with your hips again, slowly for my sake, my legs wrapping themselves around your waist as my breath started to pick up again, soft moans emitting from my throat. They became louder again, mixed with yours as you moved faster, the pain diminishing with each thrust until all I could feel was pleasure. One hand gripped the sheets, the other entangled within your own, my lungs struggling to provide me with enough oxygen, my mind nearly completely lost. I cried out loudly in ecstasy as you hit that tender spot inside me again, and you shifted yourself a bit, making it so that you hit that sensitive organ more often. I suddenly forgot everything- where we were, who I was, what I had done- all I maintained focus on was the bittersweet bliss you crashed me into each moment, the screams of pleasure that I noticed were my own, your resounding moans in sync with them. I never felt so lost, so loved and so good as I did right now.

I suddenly became aware of my need for release of this intense feeling, my legs tightening around you, your speed picking up, losing control as you pounded into me. That spot was hit again, and it seemed as though a shock of electricity went through me, though it was not painful…it was wonderful. The fiery feeling finally released itself, my back arched for the last time as I screamed your name in pleasure, though I did not call you Niisan- I called you Cloud.

As I collapsed onto the sheets below me, feeling more exhausted than I could explain, my body soaked, attempting to catch my breath, this small realization occurred to me as my surroundings settled back in. I had never considered calling you Cloud…it even sounded a bit odd in my mind. I don't know what suddenly caused me to address you by your true name, as I never really knew what it was until I had heard it a couple times in his memories…but as my mind returned to me as my once erratic heart beat settled into its normal rhythm, it dawned on me that you being my brother was probably another one of her lies that I believed. Niisan was the traitor who supposedly wanted me dead…but Cloud was the kind, beautiful man that I had fallen in love with. Niisan did not exist; but Cloud did. A soft smile came upon my swollen lips as I made this conclusion.

My still half-lidded eyes watched you lick away the white creamy substance I had expelled, which you had gathered into your left hand. I watched you curiously as you did so, and noticed your fingers untangled themselves from mine as you pulled out of me. I felt that strange emptiness again, but it dissolved as you settled next to me, pulling the clean, thinner blankets under the now tainted cover sheet over us. You returned to your hobby of playing with my wet silver strands, a pleased smile on your lips.

"You said my name," you pointed out softly, obviously very happy with this fact. "I was wondering when you finally would…"

I chuckled, returning your smile.

"Cloud…" I said gently, wanting to get used to the feel of it rolling off of my tongue.

"Yes?"

I rolled myself so I was on top of you, platinum strands tickling your cheeks, our noses touching, my arms over your shoulders, my legs tangled with yours. Your hand stayed embedded in my hair, the other running over the soft skin of my bottom before settling at my waist.

"I love you," I whispered over your lips, meaningfully.

Your smile grew a bit wider, your eyes glittering with affection. Your fingers slipped down to stroke my cheek, ever so softly.

"I love you too."

I leaned down to kiss you softly, before placing my head right beneath your shoulder, my hand at your waist, my eyes closing as the heaviness of sleep came over me.

"By the way...you were right. The strawberries did taste good."

I was puzzled for a moment before I understood your statement, and my eyes closed, a smile forming across my lips before I fell asleep.

I woke up from a very peaceful sleep, feeling somehow rejuvenated. I also noticed I was no longer lying on top of you- my back was against the sheets, my head turned to the right, my arm lazily out at my side, in the space you were supposed to be. Obviously you had gotten up before me. The top cover blanket was also gone, and I shivered a bit in our cool room, the thin sheet over me not providing much warmth. Sighing, I went to sit up- but my lower regions protested quite profoundly. I hissed in pain, and fell back onto the pillow. Well…this was going to be difficult.

I waited a few moments, my expression a pout due to the pain, and tried again, successful, although it still hurt. I had figured I would be sore, but not to the point where I had trouble sitting up. I went to get off of the bed, only to see you come through our hotel door, holding our cover sheet in your arms.

"Good morning," you said cheerfully, placing the blanket at the corner of the bed, before greeting me with a kiss. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah…I'm a bit sore, but I'll be okay."

"Just take a hot bath. It'll help," you explained with a smile. You seemed to be suddenly radiating happiness in a way I had never seen before…it was as though something heavy had been lifted off your shoulders.

"Okay…and what did you do with the cover sheet?"

"Oh…I had to wash it."

Your cheeks pinked a bit, but by your smirk I understood why you washed the blanket and giggled.

After making it to the bathroom in one piece, I took the hot bath you suggested, which worked wonders. As I dried myself, I noticed looking in the mirror there were red marks along my neck, a few also scattered across my chest. I assumed they had formed from your kisses and smiled a bit to myself, as it was as though you had marked me to prove I was yours. Once I was dressed, you picking out a light, white formal shirt with a collar for me to wear to hide the marks, we went out for breakfast as our usual routine. Something seemed to have changed between us after last night, but whatever had changed was for the better, as we both felt more carefree and more cheerful than we ever had in our lives. It seemed almost too good to be true, as the rest of the week wore on- I felt I didn't have a care in the world.

How little I knew.

Mother seemed to have lost control over me- but he didn't. She meant it when she said he had a strong will- a very strong will. Strong enough, that one night, I suddenly woke up, not knowing why- and my sense of mind was suddenly pushed aside, as he took over it.

'You thought this was over didn't you, little puppet?'

My eyes widened while I still had control over them, and that helpless terror that had consumed me when Mother had punished me came back with a vengeance as I heard his cold, cruel voice and at my fear, he laughed, a merciless, terrifying laugh that shook me more than I could explain.

Not of my will, I got up silently, found the leather outfit in the closet, slipped it on, grabbed Souba, and left the hotel. I took the ferry back to the east continent, and at inhuman speed, ran to my base. It was as though I were dreaming- I saw everything before me, but I could do nothing to change it. I was locked in my own body as I watched everything he planned to do- we went back to find Rufus, brought him to the top of a building, summoned Bahamut to attack the city, watched the former President reveal himself and also what I had thought I always wanted. For a moment, I took control over my mind again, as when I cried out 'Mother!' I heard myself say it, pure shock having come over me. I shrunk back again to his will as I felt fury boil in my veils and shot a blast of materia at Rufus, which missed as he threw himself off the edge, me following shortly. It seemed like a blur, just like in my dreams- catching Mother and speeding away from you- pulling out my Souba to defend myself as you flew toward me, having gotten the boost from the huge explosion- us falling into the ruins, failing to pierce each other- me speeding off once again into the church, stopping in the patch of flowers that we once laid in together. I paused as I realized his influence was gone for the moment. Looking down at the black box, I couldn't help but smile. Even though I knew Mother wasn't real, I hadn't let go of her just yet. As I picked up the box however, I noticed there was a gash in it- wide enough so I could see inside. I looked curiously, anxiously, even almost eagerly looked into its interiors- and I regretted it.

My eyes widened considerably as I realized you were right- she was a monster. Her green, decayed head was what was inside the box and I was not only astonished, but I felt somehow hurt…betrayed. This head was what I had placed trust in…what I had though would be my answer to everything…what I had nearly worshipped. I had always imagined she was a normal, full-bodied person- but this? Out of painful disbelief, tears made their way down my cheeks, my body rocking back and forth as I cried out her false name, as though that would somehow change who she really was. The bitter discovery seemed to pierce my heart, truly shattering everything I ever believed in, even more than that night you told me she wasn't my mother. Because the truth was right in my hands, right in front of my eyes and I could not deny it. I screamed in anguish, feeling as though some part of me had died.

I heard your motorcycle approaching the church, and as expected, he took control of my mind, as if I had been myself I would have thrown the box away out of sheer disgust and ran into your arms. Once again, time speeded by incoherently as I tried to destroy you with my materia twice, become irritated by the water that had suddenly sprouted over me, drove off again, and waited for you at the top of a ruin. He kept a firm grip on me the entire time, as he knew if he didn't my trace of mind would burst out and I would go straight toward you, ruining his plans. As I fought against you, I was worried as I watched through the interior of my mind- I didn't want to hurt you…and I wouldn't forgive myself if I killed you.

Then, suddenly, I was flying through the air from your hit, and only hung off the edge of a ruin by my fingertips, which would be impossible to do if I were a normal human. I watched my sword fall away in the distance, his annoyance growing as he watched it as well. I heard the sound of your feet coming in contact with the bottom of the withered ruin, and my head turned up immediately. You were looking at me, that sadness again in your eyes, even a bit of that pity- but there was no time for me to think, as I involuntarily threw up the box, you slicing it, attempting to destroy what was inside. Your attempt failed though, as I jumped up and caught the lower half of the box, taking out the piece of her head that was left within in and cradling it with my hands, his pleased, triumph face showing on my own. As you watched me fall in horror, that smirk formed again on my face- "My Reunion…bet you're dying to watch…"

You jumped after me, but I didn't see anymore of you as his attention was only on the remains of Jenova, and I shoved them into my body, screaming in pain as I felt them multiply rapidly inside me, transforming every cell of my being, mutating me. My feet fell lightly on the ruin beneath me, and I felt paralyzed for a moment before I heard his chilling, painful words.

'Goodbye, Kadaj.'

And then…I was gone. Completely failed to exist at all…I couldn't even think. I was nothing…I was dead.

I could not record time in my absence- but sometime later, I felt the same way I did when I first came into existence- I was first a floating mind, then became aware of my body, felt blood rush through me- then my knees came into contact with the harsh cement as I fell, and I hissed as pain throbbed within every inch of me, my eyes shutting tight. I became aware of Souba being held in my left hand, and panted a bit as I tried to steady myself- I could feel his presence leaving me, but it was not gone just yet. Bitter with defeat once again, he used my face for the umpteenth time to glare at you, my weak body attempting to pick itself up as I went to slice you- but he finally left me, and my body gave out, falling pitifully toward the ground- but you caught me. I was in such pain it hurt to breathe, and as my lungs struggled to keep up with my demand for oxygen, I looked up at you, trying to say everything that I felt using my eyes, as I seemed too weak to talk. Your eyes were only worried, filled with sorrow still at what had become of me. The rain fell onto us, burning the skin on my face where it touched, but I could not react to it. I felt like I was dying…the energy I normally contained was running out quickly. My eyelids became heavy, and I felt your other arm come under my legs as you lifted me up in your arms. My head turned into your shoulder, my eyes closing, and I could only whisper that I loved you before I succumbed to the throbbing discomfort in my body.

Time escaped me again, and when I opened my eyes, all I first saw was white- was this the Lifestream? Had I died? Blinking a few more times, I realized the white I had seen was just the sunlight reflecting off of the walls of a bedroom. I turned my head, eyes peering around my foreign environment. Glancing out the window, I saw a distant building and knew I was still in Edge. I was naked under the light blue, linen sheets, and while still sore, the pain I had felt had died down considerably. I was going to get up to find you until the door of the room opened- I had never been so happy, so relieved to see your spiky, chocobo like head come out from behind it. Relief came over your face as you saw me awake, and you came to my side immediately, helping me sit up. There was silence as we looked at each other for the moment, dozens of emotions dancing around in our eyes.

"How…how long have I been out?"

"Almost a week…I was getting worried," you answered quietly, said emotion tracing your words. "How do you feel?"

"I'm still a bit sore but besides that I'm fine," I assured with a light smile.

"How's your head?"

I was puzzled at the question for a moment, until I realized for the first time…there was no influence in my mind. Nothing at all…even in those cheerful moments on the beach, there was always the feeling that something was in my head, waiting for when I was vulnerable to take over. But there was nothing there now…she was gone, her strings on me cut permanently…and he was gone. My eyes widened as I discovered I felt…I felt free.

"It's…empty," I said, not knowing how else to explain the clarity that had come over my mind.

You chuckled and smiled at me, me returning the expression, that lovely feeling blooming within me again as I realized you were the reason they were gone…that I was officially safe from them now.

"That's good," you said happily, lacing your fingers within my hair, shaking my head a bit. I couldn't help but giggle at this.

"Cloud…did he hurt you?" I asked, concern in my own voice.

You frowned a bit, thoughtful.

"Not really…nothing serious. I'm perfectly fine."

"What about the geostingma?"

"It's gone."

I blinked at this, but you showed me the arm where it had marked itself upon your skin- and I noticed with pleasant surprise the skin was clear and smooth as it should be. I even reached out to touch your arm, as though to make sure.

"But how-"

"You remember the rain, at the church?"

I nodded.

"It cured it. That rain was from the Lifestream…and Aerith used it to cure everyone."

"How do you know it was her?"

"She's the only one that could do it, being an Ancient…I know she did. She stopped by for a moment…"

You told me about the occasion at the church, how Aerith and Zack visited you from the Lifestream for a moment, how she told you everything would be alright. I smiled at this, happy you got to see them again, even if it was brief…I knew it was something you always wanted.

"…and she was right. Everything is alright," you concluded, smiling at me.

I returned the expression and leaned forward to embrace you, holding you close, the fact that we were both still alive and safe now still unbelievable to me. It was so wonderful to feel you hold me, something I thought I would never experience again.

"Cloud…I'm sorry…I'm so sorry…" I apologized softly, emotions threatening to take over me as guilty tears burned in my eyes. "For everything I ever did that was wrong…you could have died…"

"You don't have to be sorry…none of it was your fault. You were just as much as a victim as I was."

I pulled away a bit, tear glazed, surprised eyes surveying you.

"You don't have to worry about anything anymore…they're gone," you said gently, your eyes soft with sympathy. "I promise they will never interfere with you again."

I stared at you for a moment, reading the certainty in your eyes, and I embraced you again, tighter, burying my face in your shoulder for a moment, reveling in your everlasting, sweet scent. Now that I was paying attention to it, I found you smelled like vanilla. Smiling at the memory this brought on, I sighed as I leaned my head on your shoulder.

"Thank you…thank you for everything…you saved me…"

"You saved me too."

Surprised yet again by your words, I pulled away a bit to look at you, but you were only smiling as I suspected you would be. I didn't quite understand what you meant- but my thoughts dissolved as I became lost in your kiss, letting myself become consumed by the pleasant, warm feelings within me as your tongue tasted me. Mimicking the action you had done a couple weeks ago, I held your slick muscle in my mouth, sucking on it softly, finding you still tasted like vanilla. I would forever now have a fetish for the cremy, sweet flavor. A soft moan came from your throat, and I smirked against your mouth before you broke away, suddenly realizing I was back against the sheets and you were on top of me. Funny how this always happened between us.

You smiled down at me, your face not very far from my own. A thought suddenly occurred to me, worry forming in my eyes.

"Cloud- where are my brothers?"

You frowned again, and I already knew the answer before you said it.

"They didn't make it…with the rain…"

Silence formed between us again, and I found I wasn't as sad as I thought I would be. I was able to tell them goodbye…and to thank them…even if maybe they couldn't remember it, it still happened. I even felt a bit of relief that they were in the Lifestream- they would be safe there. This world wasn't meant for them…for us…but I was only allowed to stay because of you. You were the reason I had to live…they didn't have a reason. It was better this way, and a small smile came upon my lips.

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright…it's better where they are. They're safe there…they'll be okay," I said, believing it more as I said it aloud.

You looked as satisfied by these words as I did and my left hand reached up to stroke your golden locks, finding them to be soft and fluffy. I entertained myself by doing this for a few moments, a peaceful smile on my face.

"I love you…Cloud," I said with gentle certainty, that warmth flaring up just a bit.

For the first time that I noticed, you grinned softly, just for a second, your teeth a flash of white before being hidden by pink lips.

"I love you too, Kadaj."

My smile lifted up the highest it could go before you leaned down to have our lips meet again gently, simply pushing against each other, making soft smacking noises as they pulled apart. Our kissing paused as we looked intently at each other, my thoughts gone momentarily as I was lost in the deep blue, endless sea of your eyes. There was no longer sadness, sorrow, helplessness, worthlessness, guilt, pain or grief within them; they held contentment, happiness, relief, peacefulness, bliss and most of all, love. I hoped mine shone the same emotions.

"She is right…"

"Hmm?" Your eyes narrowed slightly in question.

"Everything is alright now," I said with a soft grin, bringing a smile back on your face. You shifted a bit downwards as you lay your blonde head on my bare chest, your hand moving at my waist which was still covered by the sheet. My fingers entangled themselves in your odd hair and I smiled, noticing we had switched positions.

It was only now though, lying here in blissful silence that I realized something.

Through it all, the ultimate answer to all my questions that I had asked you night after night, actually turned out to be quite simple.

The only answer…my only solution to every problem I ever had…was you.

AND THEN THEY'LL EVANTUALLY GET MARRIED AND LIVE HAPPILY EVA AFTER. THEE END. XD
Oh, and a sudden newsflash: I WROTE SEX!! FOR THE FIRST TIME!! EVER!! I had ATTEMPTED to write it multiple times and epic failed, so I feel somehow accomplished at finally typing it out...PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW IT IS!! DX Although, I'm rather pleased with it, or else I wouldn't put it up here for you all to see! That's also why the rating for the story changed from T to M. X3
I also realized I COMPLETELY changed the way I will look at Advent Children now. Won't it be great to watch it now knowing Kadaj was thinking about Cloud the whole time and that Cloud totally wants his babies? LOL. They'd have beautiful children, ne?
Also random tidbits:
1) Kadaj making sand castles was based on this adorable picture I saw on deviantArt. I had to add something ridicuously cute in this angst fest! XDD
2) Mmm, vanilla tasting Cloud and strawberry tasting Kadaj. Yummy. X3 I will never look at strawberry sundaes the same way again. XDD Oh well, its better than having a fetish for cheddar cheese yeah? (Has read two stories where Kadaj had said fetish.)
3) I was orginally going to have them feed each other strawberries, but I just wanted to get the sex over with. XD I might make it a one shot one day. :3
Anyway, once again, thank you ALLLL for the TRUCKLOAD of support it really means oodles to me to get up to read yr awesome reviews when I wake up in the early afternoon, lol. I LOVE YOU GUYS INSANELY, you keep me writing!!
NOW GO REVIEW DAMMIT. YOU'LL GET UP THE NEXT MORNING 5x SEXIER AND WON'T HAVE ANY IDEA WHY. xD BUT THE POINT IS, JUST REVIEW!! Or I will send Kadaj after you. You don't want him when he's angry...or sex-deprived. Very scary thing I tell ya. XDD