Okay my lovelies! This is the re-vamped version of From Country Mouse to City Dog. I know that I haven't updated in a while and I'm sorry, but moving takes a lot of you; plus, being a sophomore isn't easy. *sighs* I'll try to update more often, but it's gonna be tight.

My aunt pointed out that there were some things that I had not made known to the reader. She was never properly acquainted with FFVII, so I had to consider the fact that she was an uninformed reader. I know most of us have already been well acquainted with the world of FFVII, but it got me thinking; not everyone is gonna know the characters like I do, so it would be prudent for me to elaborate more.

Disclaimer: None of the friggen characters are mine, they belong to Tetsuya Nomura and Square Enix…blah blah. If they were, Cloud and Sephy would have a lot of smexitime.

Ahem, anyways, without further hindrance, here we go! ^-^


Chapter 1

"Mnnnnnnnn…..nnnn…shut the fuck up already…." a sleep induced voice complained, words muffled by one bulky, blood red comforter.

The alarm clock's steady beeping began to thrum inconsistently through the air.

The voice screamed in obvious frustration, "SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU INCESSANT BEEPING MONSTROSITY!"

...BEEP…...

"…."

The sound of plastic crashing against the hard layout of pavement beneath the rundown apartment building resonated through the calm of 1st Street. Considering the tiny loft was four stories high, the plastic nuisance made a shallow noise on impact.

"Damn annoying alarm clock," the groggy boy grumbled, disheartened at his disrupted slumber, " I hate electronic rousers."

Cloud Strife looked out unto the city of Midgar. He had been there nearly a month and still had not grown accustomed to the qualms of it. If not for his mother, he wouldn't even have come. Compared to the small town of Nibelheim, the industrial city of Midgar was boisterous, confusing, and much more significant. Most importantly, at least in Edana Strife's eyes, was the opportunity for a better education provided at its advanced learning facilities. So, in her attempt to ensure that her only son be properly educated, she sent Cloud off to Midgar, bearing the immense savings she'd collected when his father died in the Red War.

Cloud loved his mother more than anything or anyone else in the world, and he knew that she would only subject him to madness beyond his control if it were beneficial him.

"There is always a method to madness, my dear." He could still hear her dulcet tone.

She'd always say that when he felt overwhelmed by something. Yes, even in a rural town like Nibelheim, population a maximum of 500, there resided madness. It was on a different level, but it created the same feeling of enclosure. It was natural in small, insignificant towns such as that to exceed the boundaries of any citizen's privacy; the nearest neighbor was usually a mile away, but with less people, gossip spread like wildfire.

When one thought of it that way, it was easier to say that living away from a place like that was fortunate. However, Cloud had grown up in that town; had friends there; had a family there. Even with his optimistic disposition, Cloud had trouble getting used to being alone. Hell, he'd even started to miss when his mother would scold him. He missed everything about her.

Edana Strife was an enigma to anyone who had the pleasure of making her acquaintance. She had beautiful, blonde hair like her son, gravity defying with the rest pulled into a short ponytail, suiting the comfortable look she possessed with her job of running the town's floral shop. Contrary to onlooker's beliefs, their gravity defying hair was completely natural. Like Cloud, she too had stunning cerulean eyes, shaming even the most lustrous of sapphires, and a creamy complexion to match. Both were graced with lithe body structures and angular noses as well. The only difference between their features was the slight masculinity that Cloud's bone structure held. Not to mention certain appendages that the two lacked due to their gender. The only aspect of himself that he disliked was the fact that he was vertically challenged; another shared trait.

Throwing the numerous piles of comforters and pillows across the unkempt room, Cloud hopped to his feet, stretching to the best of his ability, relieving the ache in his sleep induced joints. He knew that if his mother were here she would scold his ear off for keeping such an unclean living environment; he was never OCD about it like his mother was. Frown lines etching into his lightly tanned features, he thought, 'I wonder how Ma' is doin'…'

He sighed, running his fingers through his blonde, unkempt locks. Yawning a few profanities, he made his way to the bathroom, eager to sate his yearning for the cascading heaven of warm water and indoor plumbing. Picking a semi-clean towel from the littered counter top, Cloud quickly divested himself of his baby blue boxers and extra small wife beater. As he basked in the warmth, he began to think of what tomorrow held. After all, he was due to start his sophomore year at Midgar High and had yet to buy anything.

"Well, it looks like a trip to the store is in order," Cloud sighed, stepping out of the now silent shower.

After drying himself, he stepped into fresh boxers, suddenly realizing that he didn't know when the stores opened. As far as he knew, the nearest store was about a block away. Grabbing the complimentary phonebook from his bedside table, he flipped to Second Street General Store, dialing the number on his disposable cell phone. Elevator music sounded before a rich voice answered, boredom lacing its tone; clearly male.

"Second Street General store, Sephiroth speaking, what can I do for you?"

Cloud hesitated before answering; he was used to the exchange of familiar pleasantries. This sense of familiarity was lost to him as he tried to speak.

"Uh, yes, sorry, I was just wondering when your store is open for business?" He put his hand over the receiver, breath shaking lightly.

"Obviously, I wouldn't have answered the phone if the store were still closed, sir," the voice spoke melodically, now tinted with subtle disdain.

' Subtle, but not hidden, asshole,' the teen thought, a new anger overriding his initial nervousness.

" Thank you, I'll be there in a jiffy," he answered through clenched teeth.

"Honestly, I couldn't care less," the voice replied with annoyance, spiking Cloud's temper.

" Look asshole, I didn't come here just to deal with bastards like yo-" he was cut off by an annoyed sigh slipping through the phone before the voice said, " Will you shut up already? If you're coming then come, and hang up the phone, idiot."

Letting out a growl of annoyance, the blonde reluctantly hung up the phone. Damn city bastards and their massive egos. Hopefully the jerk wouldn't be there when he arrived.

Mind still clouded in anger, he made his way out into the hallway. He stopped in his tracks when he heard a strained giggle. He looked up to see two women staring at his midriff; another man stopped at his door, a blush tinting his cheeks. In a matter of seconds there were catcalls and whistles sounding as Cloud glanced at his very exposed body; the only thing adorning it was a pair of neon paint-splattered boxers. Cloud felt the heat rise to his cheeks as embarrassment seeped throughout his body. He turned quickly back to his apartment, closing the door hurriedly.

"Oh my Gaia! A bunch of random perverts just saw me naked!" he gasped heatedly, marveling at their reaction.

Calming slightly, the teen's mind wandered. He couldn't fathom their reactions; how could anyone be so okay with seeing a stranger partially naked?

' How strange these city people are, is this how everyone is?' the curious blond pondered as he pulled a Volcom t-shirt over his head.

Putting his wallet into his pocket, he grabbed the keys, and headed out, locking the empty apartment behind him.


The glare of the store window blinded the blonde momentarily before he proceeded to enter through the automatic door. Looking around timidly, he searched for any sign that indicated the school supplies section. Having spotted it, he quickened his pace, not noticing the figure a few feet ahead.

Cloud felt something crash into his midriff, knocking the breath out of him. Confused, he looked down to see a young boy planted on his bottom, rubbing his side.

"Ah, ow, that hurt," the boy gasped, pain shooting through his spine.

"Oh, I'm sorry, are you okay?" Cloud asked, worry lacing his features as he tried to help him up.

Scowling, the boy swatted his hands away, replying icily, " What do you think, idiot? I just crash landed on my ass!"

Shock filled Cloud's features at the boy's tone; it took him a second to decipher what he had just said. Shock turned to anger as Cloud realized that the boy cursed him. Flicking him harshly on the forehead, he growled disapprovingly.

" What the hell was that for ya bastard?" the boy demanded fervently as he crossed his arms, his lower lip sticking out in a pout.

If not for his anger, Cloud would've marveled at how cute the young boy looked at that moment; his wispy, light brown locks fell, windswept over his iridescent, blue eyes. When the other failed to respond, the boy started flailing his arms wildly.

The blonde snorted and flicked his forehead again, " How dare you use such vulgar language. Aren't you a little too young to use profanity? Didn't your mother ever teach you any manners?"

At this, the boy stopped, a sullen look crossing his face. Calmly, the boy rose to his feet before running out the door. Cloud swore that he saw tears coming out of the boy's eyes.

' Damn it, I forgot to get his name,' the blonde swore in his head, cursing his scattered thought process. In this, he failed to notice the curious orbs following his movement.

Thoughts of the young boy still plaguing him, Cloud stepped into the desired isle, looking about. He knew that he needed some writing utensils, two packs of college ruled paper, and a binder or two. After gathering most of the supplies, he searched for the college ruled paper.

" Aha!" the blonde gasped aloud as he spotted the paper….on the very top shelf.

Cursing his luck, he put down his navy blue binder topped with new separation tabs, grabbing a handle on the flimsy metal of the lightweight shelf.

" Damn it! Why are things always where I can't reach them?" Cloud grumbled idly, beginning his dangerous venture.

Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded to his bottom left, " You need to get down from there before you fall and get hurt," it continued, as if scoffing at his idiocy, " I do not want to have to clean up a mess because of your unbridled stupidity."

"What the hell is your problem you dic-WAAAAAAAAAAA!" he screamed as his foot slipped, sending the blonde tumbling to the tiles beneath.

The fall was too quick for Cloud to brace his body for impact, the painful impact that never came. He instead collided with something just as solid, but much warmer; it felt like a fabricated, brick wall. Opening his tightly shut eyes, he found the left side of his vision to be obscured by an orange-red fabric. Looking closely, he realized that it was a smock.

"Idiot, I told you this would happen," the same voice scoffed, silky tones penetrating Cloud's ears. He knew the man was scolding him, but there was no identifiable emotion portraying in his tone.

The blonde stirred at the voice being so close to his ear; it made his skin prickle uncomfortably. He could almost hear the smirk in the other's rich baritone. Embarrassment and anger collected in his face, a light blush dusting his cheeks. He looked up, into the face of his supposed savior; his intense, cerulean orbs locked with brilliant, sea-foam green ones.

" Well you don't have to be so Mother Hen about it, bastard," Cloud snorted in annoyance, his eyes narrowing skeptically as he tried to struggle free of the other's iron grip.

The grip on Cloud became stronger as the stranger's eyes narrowed in anger and disbelief. This ungrateful brat had the gall to patronize him?

" First of all you little runt, my name is Sephiroth, and I take pride in being a bastard," the man growled, " and second, I just saved your petite bottom from being broken even after I warned you to get down, so I believe gratitude is in order, brat."

' I know that fucking prick did not just call me a runt and a brat!' the blonde spluttered indignantly as a scowl etched into his angelic features.

Obviously, a nerve had been struck with that comment. Sephiroth watched the plethora of emotions display randomly before settling on anger. The blonde looked as though he would like nothing better than to castrate him at that moment. An amused smirk tugged at his pale lips as he tightened his vice grip on the feisty teen.

' As if he could accomplish such a vulgar act, the naive idiot,' the man mused as he watched the teen struggle, his eyes never leaving the other's.

Finally, after much futile effort, Sephiroth decided to put the blonde erect again. It was somewhat reluctantly, he had to admit, this kid was most amusing.

' Not unappealing to the eye either,' he noted quietly.

Sephiroth lifted his weary gaze to the other, only to be met with a questioning look.

Cloud let out a shaky breath before he replied, " You're the one that I spoke with on the phone earlier, aren't you? Figures."

Closing his glassy eyes, he sighed heavily, " Understand this, midget, you need to-" Sephiroth's sarcastic comment was cut off by a delicate, yet firm hand connecting with his left cheek in a fierce slap; it resonated shallowly in the empty store.

" Don't you dare make fun of my height you…you..you jolly green, giant, haughty bastard!" Cloud snapped viciously as his hand clenched into a fist at his side, cerulean orbs alight with angry fire.

At this, Sepiroth remained in a shocked silence. This boy, this child, had dared not only to insult him, but physically assault him as well? He didn't know what to make of it; never before had he faced this situation. Usually, people knew instinctively that Sephiroth was not one to be trifled with. Absolutely no one had the right to put their filthy hands upon him. Surely this rule was applicable even to someone with the appearance of an average twelve year-old?

Sephiroth's eyes narrowed to cat-like slits, masking in anger. However, unbeknownst to the blonde teen, there resided an infinitesimal amount of keen interest. Although he realized that the boy's comment was completely ludicrous, and somewhat comical, he refused to admit such. Keeping his half glare steady, he regarded the other with an unwilling, slight smile, a quiet laugh escaping his parted lips.

Cloud's fierce expression dissolved into confusion as he caught the other's short laugh. He was pretty sure that when you slapped someone, they weren't supposed to laugh.

' Is this asshole mocking me?' Cloud thought indignantly, his fist clenching once more.

" No, I'm not mocking you," Sephiroth continued, earning a bewildered look, " I was merely overcome with the ludicrousness of your inane comment."

"Jolly green? Hm, shall I offer you a pea then, to replace that shriveled raisin you call your brain?" the man replied, his signature smirk reappearing.

Cloud remained silent; he was livid, to be sure, but he'd had enough of this immature confrontation. Instead, he settled with analyzing the figure in front of him. Sephiroth, unoblivious to the blonde's analytical gaze, returned it with one of his own.

The blonde teen realized that in his anger, he failed to see that the man before him was quite appealing to the eye. After all, when you're hastily drawing upon a man's gruesome demise, you hardly stop to think about his appearance. Sephiroth was at least a foot taller than his own shocking height of 5"6. Atop the chiseled features of his angular face, lay a cascading waterfall of lush, silver locks that reached his thigh midway. The brilliant luster of his hair would have been obscured by the inhuman quality of his eyes, if not for the impenetrable wall that barricaded any and every emotion. He also noted that although the body opposite him was leanly built, it was, in no way, like his own. In fact, it was scarily similar to the body type he'd always dreamed of having; a fact that angered him even further.

Sephiroth's hands were fairly large, they seemed large enough to almost completely cover his face. However, his fingers, though long, had a certain grace about them; Cloud could picture this man excelling in swordsmanship profoundly.

As for his aura, it radiated raw power, an authoritative finality that assured confidence. Some might even assess arrogance within him.

'It is likely that he holds others in low regard, therefore having a minimal amount of social interaction,' the blonde thought, his eyes narrowing as he noticed Sephiroth's blank stare.

Meanwhile, the latter was currently pondering the ever popular topic of Cloud's gravity defying hair.

"Exactly what do you use to make your hair stand up like that?" The silver-haired man pointed out, a hint of an amused smirk twitching at his lips.

The glazed look in the blonde's eyes disappeared quickly as he realized what Sephiroth asked him.

Annoyed, he answered through clenched teeth, "I don't use anything, it's natural."

Sephiroth did not look convinced.

"I couldn't give a fuck less if you believe me, just ring me up already," the teen sighed heavily, rolling his eyes as he picked up his supplies and headed to the deserted register.

Deciding that the argument was one he would rather save for a rainy day, Sephiroth complied, getting behind the counter.

They grew silent as Sephiroth began ringing up Cloud's items. He took this opportunity to analyze the other a bit more. He noticed that the blonde's lips were unnaturally plump. The lips suddenly parted, and the silver-haired teen's eyes focused on the sensuality they took on in this action. Only when he felt a poke on his forehead did he realize that the boy was speaking to him.

"What is your name?" Sephiroth said offhandedly, ignoring the annoyed look the other gave him at his silent admission at his not paying attention.

Quickly divesting himself of his annoyed scowl, Cloud replied with a question of his own, "And why should I tell you my name, bastard? You weren't even paying attention to what I said."

"This is true, but you obviously don't understand who you're talking to. When I ask you a question, you answer it, regardless," the other spoke in a clipped tone, annoyed at his unanswered question.

"And you obviously don't understand who you're talking to. And guess what?" the blonde asked rampantly.

"What?" Sephiroth replied, sarcasm dripping heavily from each elongated syllable.

A victorious smirk graced his lips as he spoke, "I'm not going to tell you."

With that, the blonde placed his gil on the counter and headed towards the door, leaving a fuming Sephiroth at his wake.

Unbeknownst to Cloud, he wore a smirk of his own.

'It is apparent from his purchase that he intends to begin school at Midgar High,' the voice continued with fervor, ' things might actually be interesting this year.'


First chappie, done~ Just so we understand each other. As I am trying to update and accommodate more, I expect more reviews. Honestly, if you've never written a story, then you couldn't possibly understand how much reviews actually help and author write. I plan to write an assload of chapters, by the way.

I decided that scenes I had before displayed too much OOCness. I kind of want to stick to the way I think they'd be, as observed from Advent Children. Any character you can think of from FFVII will most likely be featured. Also, I renamed Cloud's mother because, one, Sora is the name of my OC and I'm planning to make a fic about her, and two, I wanted her to have a name that was either Irish, Celtic, Gaelic, or Scottish. I decided on Irish: Edana means fiery and zealous.

Review! ^^