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It got ate. Sorry. I hate this website. I hope your new year was good though!

22. Caught in a Storm
23. Seeking Shelter

Cloud couldn’t see anything. The whole world looked like a grey, swirling mess. He could barely see his own hands in front of him. 

The wind ripped through his clothes as if they were made of paper. SOLDIER enhancements made no difference out here. 

This storm could kill him. 

Then a hand took his. He felt a soft squeeze and then something was forced into his hand. Materia? It warmed in his hand as the caster activated it. It almost burned, but Cloud didn’t dare drop it. Then he realized. The line…his hands were so cold he hadn’t felt himself drop it. It was his lifeline to Zack, to help lead him to the shelter. 

It was tied to the materia and he breathed in relief. He could faintly see Zack’s outline in front of him now…perhaps reaching some sort of rock formation that blocked some of the wind and snow. He almost thought he could hear Zack’s voice over the wind…almost. 

The wind cut out suddenly, but left his ears ringing. Hands were tugging at his hood. Cloud realized he was shivering. 

“I need the Fire Materia back Cloud,” Zack said, “we’ll get you warmed back up.” 

“Z-Z-Z-Zack,” Cloud said. 

“You’re gonna be just fine,” Zack said, tugging a thicker cap onto his head, “Told you I wouldn’t leave you behind.” 

“I-I’m s-s-sor-r-ry,” Cloud stammered out. 

“No one could have predicted this thing,” Zack said, “It went from clear to zero visibility in two minutes. But we’re safe in here, we’ll get a fire…and get some cuddles in.” Zack wrested the materia away from Cloud. Cloud didn’t see where he got wood or kindling, but the little cave Zack found warmed up in a few minutes. 

Zack kept his arms around Cloud. 

“No sleeping,” Zack said, “It’s starting to lighten up and when it does we’re going to make a tactical retreat back to Icicle…and share a big warm bed.”

Cloud liked that idea. 

“How did you find me?” Cloud asked, “I couldn’t see anything…I was panicking.”

“I don’t know,” Zack admitted, “Maybe it was a lucky guess…maybe I just kinda knew where you were…but I’ve got you now. I’m not letting go.”

Cloud covered Zack’s hands with his. 

“I won’t either.”