Hello! You can call me Arri, and this is my first fanfic!

This is a slow burn between Cloud and Zack, along with some lowkey harem shenanigans with Sephiroth, Reno, Rufus, and maybe even some others.

I feel like I write too much detail, so sorry if some parts are boring! These first few chapters especially are going to be detail heavy, since I really want to establish the "world building". I hope you enjoy anyways though!

Cloud Strife tried his best to not sleep in on the day that will determine the next four years of his life.

The sun was dangerously high by the time he willed himself to get out of bed and look out the window, the rays making him squint painfully. It looked to be mid-morning. At the realization, a fleet of panic had him jumping out of the covers and flinging on his clothes. He put on the only pair of dark jeans and the deep blue button up left in his suitcase, mentally thanking his past self for remembering to pack something nice for today. Cloud checked over his shoulder and winced to see he had thirty minutes until it would start. Hurrying, he picked up his few belongings splayed across the hotel room and double-checked his luggage, running out once he finished. He flew down an flight of stairs and checked out at the front office while combing his messy blonde locks with his hand haphazardly. He can't be late.

As soon as he stepped outside, Cloud paused, gasping at the sight that lay before him. Throngs of people already filled the sidewalk, many zooming past on bikes or walking determinedly in suits, undoubtedly the morning rush of the city. Farther ahead was one of the many streets and even further were the countless business buildings conjoined with apartment complexes above, the warm tones and pattern of trees with small rings of soil on the sidewalk making the industrial setting look inviting. Wafting scents of freshly brewed coffee from the nearby bakeries and cafes filled the air and rain from the night before was still pooling out of gutter pipes and decorating everything in droplets. Everything sparkled.

This was the first time Cloud woke to the bustling city, enchanted by the stark contrast of the atmosphere compared to his hometown. He had grown up in a smaller place, Nibelheim, which was cozy but simple. Leaving wasn't easy, but the change of scenery was definitely refreshing. He had traveled by train the day before to get to this capital, Midgar, and though at night it was amazing, the light of day painted the metropolis in a completely new way. It was breathtaking.

Quickly remembering the matter on hand, Cloud ran forward and called for a taxi, putting his suit cases in the trunk and rushing around to get inside as soon as one stopped in front of him. "Midgar University Plaza Grounds, please." He breathed, putting on his seatbelt.

"Headed for Freshmen Orientation?" The driver guessed, already starting down the rode. She looked to be about the same age as Cloud, short hair framing a youthful but mischievous face. He couldn't help but notice the bandana that was tied around her forehead and he absently wondered if she was part of some sort of gang. Overly cautious, he shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah, how'd you know?"

"Ah, don't worry," she assured, having sensed his hesitancy, "I think I've probably driven three other freshmen by now. It might be a big city but it's still a small world, if you know what I mean." She giggled to herself, as if she was keeping a secret. The childish yet playful demeanor immediately relaxed Cloud, and he felt his eyebrows raise at her comment.

"Really? Ran into any girls with a mini-skirt obsession?" He asked, unable to help but spring the question. The girl laughed again, shaking her head. "No, but I did run into a man who, I swear, looks like a real life vampire! But mini-skirts sound a lot more threatening. So I take you're meeting up with some friends?"

Cloud nodded, looking out of the window and trying to get a view of everything. "Just a friend from the same town I came from, we managed to get accepted into the same university and I promised to wait with her before the induction." He shrugged, remembering the nerves that came with this important day.

"Congratulations!" she chimed, almost overly peppy for the morning, "It's a pretty prestigious school, if you made it this far I'm sure you'll do more than fine!" She promised. "But hey!" Her smiled was suddenly gone and she gasped. "Aren't you kinda cutting it close there?"

Cloud took a moment to register the words, then gasped too, looking at the clock. "Oh shit, I am!"

It was five 'till.

"I know a shortcut!" She declared, the engine roaring louder as she stepped harder on the gas. Her concern easily melted into a grin as she started weaving through cars and swerving in turns, ignoring a panicking Cloud in the back seat. He didn't even have the chance to protest as he became more focused on trying to not slide around or let the set belt strangle him in the process.

In almost no time Cloud found himself almost headramming the seat in front as the taxi came to an abrupt halt, his stomach feeling light. "Here!" she exclaimed happily, a ding sounding right after as she rang up the bill. He opened the door with relief, wobbling out on unsteady knees and short of breath from the exercerlation. Seeing his shaken state, the girl laughed. "You know what, this one is on me. Go ahead and get to your orientation!" She teased. Cloud paused at this. He was positive he lucked out on getting the only possible taxi drive that could get him here on time. "Wait, are you sure?"

"Yeah, yeah!" She assured, waving him off, "I got to drive recklessly without a threat to be sued! That's always a win in my book!"

Cloud grinned in disbelief, shaking his head. "Got a name I could request for next time?" he asked, already planning to pay her back. She just smiled back. "Yuffie."

And before he could even breathe again she was gone and driving down the block. Cloud shook his head again. Were all city people like that? It was a memorable encounter, that's for sure. Speaking of which, there was someone else he had to meet. He pivoted around, taking in the surroundings.

Cloud had been dropped off at some obscure sideline of the perimeter, finding a main path once walking a little ways down. He came to the entrance an overly immaculate courtyard, and suddenly his breath caught.

A wrought gate that rivaled the height of nearby buildings was splayed open wide, 'MIDGAR' written in cursive iron on top, and 'UNIVERSITY' written on the second double door. A thick wide path of light stone flowed out of the opening and into a plaza center. There was a ginormous fountain in the middle, the sound of the running water and feeling of mist even reaching Cloud from where he stood, and an impressive outer ring of small, open buildings that served as an entertainment hub for the students. He couldn't really tell which were exactly what, but many were easy to identify as a library or restaurant or a school merch store. Despite the establishments at every corner, it was beyond spacious and lushious, park benches and foliage dotting the grassy areas. And beyond that- the University. The main building was centered and many stories high, easily discernible above the trees, though it was a good distance away. In the same area should be the smaller buildings with the classes of uncommon fields and the dorms, but those were hidden from view. It was still a lot to take in.

Even more astonishing was the fact that every area seemed completely filled with students. Tables, that were obviously set up for only today, littered the campus, long lines of presumably other freshmen checking in and receiving their materials from them. Cloud gulped, never being around such a large crowd and not expecting the high numbers. Even worse, everyone knows that less than half make it through to graduation.

Was he looking at future life-long friends, or enemies? Either way, a single thought plagued his mind as he made his way up to the table at the entrance, the idea leaving his stomach churning. Not all the people he was surrounded by are going to make it. And, no matter what, they are all competition.

Cloud mustered up his most charming smile as his wait in line brought him to the front, proud to see the girl at the desk lightly blush and avert her gaze. "Last and first name?" she asked, looking back to return a smile.

"Strife, Cloud."

She spent a moment going through the pages of list before highlighting his name off, another person at the table already handing him a prepackaged tote bag full of papers. "This will have the school map and other necessary information for being a student here. If you ever have questions, feel free to go to the office building here in the plaza. Just make sure to visit every other booth once inside to get your other resources." She explained.

"Thank you." Cloud said as he received the bag, already not looking forward reading all of the paperwork. And then, he stepped through the gate.

Despite there being no barrier besides the table, taking his first step on the campus made his heart swell. He had gone through a lot and couldn't believe that he was finally here. Suddenly motivated and determined, he made his round to all of the other set ups, grateful that his slight lateness gave him smaller lines to wait in with most of the students done.

First was his schedule, another was a club list, next was the itinerary for freshmen events, and countless of others before he got to the last one booth.

The one he had no idea and no control over. The one that he couldn't look up online or research like with the others. The one that would make or break his university experience:

Dorm and Roommate Assignment.

"Cloud!"

Cloud turned around just on time to see his childhood friend waving him down, a huge smile on her features. Today she was sporting a jean mini-skirt with a long sleeve black midriff that clipped off the shoulders. Her hair was up in a classy high tail with strands in the front accenting the long earrings she was wearing.

"Tifa!" He greeted, waving back joyfully. He was going to find her once he got all of the materials, but this was more convenient. They reached and pulled each other into a hug, laughing as the excitement of the first step of their childhood dream was taking place. They had promised each other a long time ago to work hard and get accepted into Midgar University, a feat that no one believed they could do. They were nobodies from a nobody town. But they did it. They were here.

"It's so amazing we made it." She squeezed him tighter, their embrace comfortable due to the even height achieved by her heels.

"I still can't believe it." He mused, easing out of the hug to give her a smile. Tifa nodded in agreement. "Are you getting your Dorm and Roommate Assignment too?" She asked, motioning to the line Cloud had just entered. "Yeah, it's the last booth I have…" he trailed off, remembering the anxiety of it.

"Perfect timing! We can find out the person we're staying with for the next four years together!" Tifa cheered, making Cloud roll his eyes. "You say it as if this isn't monumental."

"You're overthinking it."

"I overthink everything."

Tifa laughed. "That you do. But hey," she place a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Whoever you end up with, it'll be fine. I know you're probably thinking that this will make or break your time here-"

"I know it will."

"But," she continued, "I will still be here. You can get the biggest jerk on the planet as your roommate for all it matters. We'll still have each other and make these next four years the best in our lives." Tifa gave him a reassuring smile. "And no offense, but you worry for no reason a lot, I'm sure whoever he is will end up being your next best friend!"

Cloud gave a weak smile, "I just hope we can at least co-exist without trouble." he joked, earning a light whack on the arm. "But really," he began, "you always know what's eating me up. Thank you Tifa."

Shae just smiled. "Oh, what would you ever do without me?"

"I couldn't even begin imagine." Cloud confessed, laughing at the affirmative nod she gave.

Their banter came to a pause as they reached the front of the line, giving their names to the people that sat at the table. They got a single envelope, leaving once they received the full explanation of what the paper inside entailed. This is the most prestigious school in the country, the man at the booth had reminded them. Midgar University would not tolerate nor waste time on moving around the arrangements just because two people didn't 'get along'. It was something the college was actually infamous for. Cloud felt his anxiety spike.

Holding the letter in his hands, he hesitated tearing it open. Besides, knowing a name would do no good unless he knew the guy. "Who'd you get?" He asked Tifa, peering over her shoulder. She had opened it right away and was skimming the contents. "Aw! My room is on the ground floor! How boring~" She absently complained, no real protest lacing her words. Cloud gave her a pointed look, finding this besides the point. Tifa shrugged.

"Some girl named Aerith Gains… okay I don't think I can say that." She admitted, handing the paper to him.

Aerith Gainsborough

"She sounds nice." He commented blankly, ignoring the eye roll he received. "How can someone's name make them sound nice." Tifa patted him on the back and laughed, "C'mon now, let me see yours!"

Cloud took a deep breath, eyeing the envelope skeptically. It reminded him of the sensation of opening a rejection or acceptance letter. It definitely held the same dread.

"Okay…" he gulped. He tore off the top slowly, not rushing to unfold the paper inside either. At the top was a detailed map of the dormitories, then below was his floor and room number. He passed them in a haze as his eyes came to the section at the bottom subtitled 'Roommate'.

Zack Fair

Cloud squinted, willing to muster some sort of telepathic response of who this was. Of course none came. He sighed. He'd have to wait until the end of the day, heck probably the end of the week, to assess this guy's threat. Hopefully there wouldn't be any at all, but Cloud had done his research. Midgar University was more than known for being the only school to handle their students living conditions this way.

The first was that all students were required to live on campus, and the second biggest difference was that roommates were assigned by field; meaning, they would also be taking the same classes. Many theorized this is what made their graduation percent so low, as the idea of getting stuck with someone you hate, was, well, less than appealing. On the other hand, if you manage to hit it off, you'd have a strong ally and strong advantage compared to other students because you wouldn't be going in alone. The same schedule and same gruelling work wasn't so bad if you have someone to work with in complete sync.

"He sounds nice." Tifa teased, looking at his paper.

"You're hilarious."

"You're a worry wart." She shot back.

A sudden buzzing sounded through the courtyard, catching the attention of every student. Cloud just was noticing the speakers set up in every corner, along with the temporary stage set up in the back. It was no bigger than to fit perhaps two people and the podium it already held. Light popping noises went off as the microphone that was there continued to be tested, a women knocking it against her palm. Once she was satisfied it was playing through the speakers, she brought it up to the stand.

"Attention all freshmen." Her voice resounded clearly, loud yet not in the overbearing way microphones sometimes tended to do. Although the students were scattered throughout the plaza, everyone paused and stayed where they were, not all able to see the women but everyone able to hear.

"Before we start today's orientation, induction, tour, and many other great events, may I introduce to you all the headmaster of this establishment, our president, Rufus Shinra!"

Cheers erupted, a crowd gathering closer to the podium in the center as a, surprisingly young-looking, man with a clean white suit and platinum blonde locks took the stage.

"Thank you, thank you." He said, raising his hands to quiet all of the applause.

"Now, I am to give a more proper speech at the end of today, but I would like to say a few words before we officially begin. I'll do my best to keep it short."

He grinned charmingly and light laughter came from the audience. Cloud suddenly became acutely aware of how many girls were already swooning over this guy. The thought didn't settle well for some reason.

"As you all know," he continued, "you are all here today because you earned it. Midgar University is well known for its elite ranks among many fields, and we are proud to see generation after generation continue to strive for the best. You were accepted, not just because we saw you were already exceptional, but because we saw potential. We found ourselves on the ideology that there could always be more done to improve oneself. No matter what you are majoring in, there are life lessons we hope our establishment can provide, and I hope you can all carry with you the reminder to be open and learn. This is a school after all."

Another chorus of polite laughter came from the crowd and Cloud could only bare a smile. The sudden realization of the struggle he'd be facing soon was evident. Despite Rufus's grin, behind it he could see the leveling judgment as the president eyed the students. He made it sound casual, but behind the way he urged them on to improve, it was a clear sign to Cloud that message was more closer to a sugar coated 'don't get complacent'. It was obvious that complacency was a death sentence in high strung universities like this one.

"So it is warmly that we open our arms to you all. With that said,"

Cloud took a deep breathe, still in disbelief. He was actually here. He was starting his next chapter in life, unable to tell if the excitement or fear of the prospect was stronger. And his first official day was going to begin. No matter what came next, this was the start.

Cloud's heart swelled as he took in the closing words of Rufus Shinra:

"Welcome to Midgar University."

Ah, this is going to take a while, haha... Zack and Cloud meet in the next chapter! Please stay tuned! I'm currently half ways done with it and hope to get it out soon, but for now, please leave reviews! I'd love to know what's good or anything I can improve on! Thanks!