Author's Notes: Okay...I know, I know, I've really neglected this. I apologize to readers who have been waiting. I've been really busy working on a series of original novels with my stepmom; that's been coming along really well. I took out some time to write this because I needed to take a break.

Further Notes: This is from Cloud's point of view. I always enjoy trying to get into his head. I know this is short, and very...well...drabble-ish, but that's what these are, right? Anyway, let me know what you think!

.Milage.

I just kept running. My back was always to my family and friends, my feet always carrying me away from them. I can't even begin to count the miles I crossed to distance myself from them. And as I think back on it, I realize it was because I was afraid. Afraid of commitment, afraid of love. Because in the end, I knew I'd just turn and run again.

That's where the idea for Strife Delivery Service started. Sure, I knew it would benefit a lot of people, and it would bring in an income of sorts, but in truth, I just wanted to get away. And I wanted a good excuse to do it.

I was selfish. I didn't think how it would effect Tifa, how it would effect Marlene, and later Denzel. I just loved the feel of the wind blowing through my hair, the hum of Fenrir beneath me. Whenever they entered my thoughts, I'd push them aside and hammer the throttle, determined to increase the distance that separated us.

But that didn't work for long. I cared about them too much. I'd come back for longer periods of time, finding deliveries closer to home. Until Geostigma, that is. My inner fears and sins festered within me, finally breaking through as a deadly disease that would slowly eat me alive. How could I face my family like that? How could I be anything more than a burden to them in such a state?

And the miles piled on. I took on more jobs than ever before, returned to Seventh Heaven less and less. Then stopped returning at all. It was easier for me to go to Aerith's church, dwelling on the past, than it was to go home.

My phone rings and I reach into my pocket, pulling it out. Tifa's name is highlighted on the screen. I smile to myself, flipping it open. "Strife Delivery Service. What can I deliver for you?"

Tifa giggles into my ear. "I'd like you to deliver one chocobo-headed hero, A.S.A.P."

I try to keep my tone neutral and professional, but a chuckle escapes anyway. "That sounds like a rather pricey deliver, ma'am. Are you sure you can cover the cost?"

"Oh, I think I can more than cover it. But for clarity's sake, what's your asking price?"

"Well, you're in luck actually. This is a limited time offer, only good until this evening. I'll let you decide the price."

I can imagine the grin that's spread across her face at my words. "How about I keep the bed warm for you and we'll work out a price together."

"Sounds like the deal of a lifetime. I'll be home soon." I flip the phone shut and slid it back into my pocket.

I had been stupid. I wasn't thinking. I had distanced myself from the only people who mattered to me, who cared about me. It took a long, long time before I realized that. But Tifa tells me is isn't the mistakes I made that are important, it's the way I make up for them. With this thought foremoest in my mind, I revv Fenrir's engine and zoom down the long, dusty road towards home counting the miles until I reach home.

End Notes: I'm pathetic, right? All that time and this is what I have done. Don't hate me...and leave a review!