I came up with this on the spur of the moment and wrote it in one sitting, which could explain why it's very short and also perhaps a little surreal! So, one-shot, slash, and reviews and feedback are very appreciated!

Disclaimer: FFVII belongs to Square Enix, and I'm just playing with the characters before I have to put them back.

Ruins.

A breeze ruffles blonde spikes as the man stands at the edge of the precipice, eyes narrowed against the glare of the sun as he regards the city below without really seeing it. His mind is somewhere else, far away, and it's a while before the words come.

"I love you."

The dark-haired man standing beside him glances sideways at his friend, watching those pink lips as they barely move around the words.

"I should have said something before. I always loved you, Zack, ever since I first saw you, and I still do." A sigh escapes. "Sometimes I think I always will."

Blue eyes widening, Zack turns towards his friend and makes as if to take him in his arms. "Cloud, I-"

"Some good it is now." the blonde mutters bitterly, turning away; Zack's arms pass right through him. "I'm too late."

He can do nothing but watch, anguished, wishing there was some way he could make himself known; that there was some way Cloud could know he was there and wanting to tell him the same.

But it was too late. He watches his friend mount his motorcycle, feeling for a moment as though his heart is shattering in slow motion, then melts back into the Lifestream.

Below them, Midgar lies in ruins.