Disclaimer : I don't own anything albeit my terrible idea
Complete summary :
As the war with Wutai abate, a group with enhanced men raise it anew. Casualities are not unusual, except Zack never thought Cloud would go down.
Or lovers are separated then find each others anew. No death (of important people). Everyone is trying their best to help each other and save what can be saved.
Additional thingy to know : soulmates & soulmarks! Cloud/Zack, Seph/Gen/Geal THEN ASGZC (I'm on AO3 if you prefer)
NDA : Look, it's time I acknowledge the truth: I am a fandom hopper. I'll give you 1 to 3 fics then disappear like a fucking cryptid. You're warned.
This is self-indulgent, okay? I formed a plot daydreaming about the angry chocobo and I'm kind of bullshiting the chronologie/canon story/and the rest. So, right now Cloud is one year older than in canon.
ALSO I'm sorry for the mistakes :(
Anyway, good lecture!
edit. 09.10,
listen, writing take time, you can't deny it. It's like drawing. Right. Now that this tidbit is clear let's talk about what bother me. Giving chapters to a beta need two things that you might overlook: 1. organisation skills, 2. more time to get over the corrections. Both thing I lack. Betas readers are cool! I had some both in french and english I had good relationships with! but ultimately, it's not possible for me, for an ongoing fic.
So I'm not getting a beta reader while the fic is ongoing! and don't come say to me the mistakes are hindering the lecture bc:
1. I know I have mistakes, I don't care. You can read, I know it. Native english told me it's clear, if not always perfectly 'comfortable'.
2. Either you have a fic, or you have nothing as my fic is written but not edited and not posted.
I write bc I enjoy it, I'd like to share it too, but I'm certainly not trying to win a nobel prize of literature with my fic, in do the hard work for my original french fiction, not for a hobby
also, the fic still not isn't updated regularly, or at all. Bc y'all are shouting about beta reader and it piss me off, especially when there twenty or so people who favorite the fic but don't care to say anything. That's not giving me the will to update or correct my mistakes
end of the NDA, bye
One
.
Cloud left Angeal's office with a folder he was dying to open. If he did, he was probably dead for sure. He accepted to give it to the science department for the Commander. Zack told him about the Elite Trinity hatred for this place, even if they were silent about it. Plus Angeal was a cool dude and Cloud was happy to help him a bit when he was almost buried under papers.
Still, the folder was in his hand, asking to be open. Cloud couldn't resist.
"Strife."
The infantryman almost jumped out of his skin. He turned around and saw Luxiere coming. Damn, he hated how the man could sneak up on him. Whereas all others SOLDIERS were as discreet as elephants when off duty. Especially since military boots squeaked on the linoleum.
"You're searching Zack again?" asked the man with his calm front.
Cloud sighed, he knew the guy was boiling inside. He had a strange habit of protecting Zack from any perceived dangers. Cloud didn't think he could qualify as a danger for his friend, newly turned First Class.
"I dropped off the registration forms for the SOLDIERS exam in Angeal's office."
Cloud hoped his honest answer would be enough, but Luxiere followed him to the lift.
"And you're taking the exam, uh? Did you ask Zack?"
Cloud bristled and bore a hole in the button calling the lift like it'd made him go faster. Where was the damn thing?
"I took the preliminary test, like everyone."
The lift finally arrived and the doors opened, but Luxiere stepped in front of him, blocking the path.
"I need to give that to the science department, can you let me pass, sir."
Luxiere was going to say something, but one of the office's doors opened and the two froze. Bo stepped outside, saluted his superior then headed for the lift. He waved at them with a calm smile, much more natural than Luxiere.
"Everyone's going down?" he asked, stepping in the lift.
Cloud moved past Luxiere and nodded to Bo, the second class sniffed and refused, letting the two alone. The blonde breathed, happy not to have to be too disrespectful to a superior, even if he was a bully. He managed better with others infantrymen for many reasons. The first being that they were still human, so not immunised to a punch or a hit on the knee.
"Thanks," mumbled Cloud. He didn't like needing help but he knew when it was necessary. The last time he felt hopeless face to face with a bully was at Nibelheim. At the end he did break some noses and gave a good amount of bruises, winning his peace.
"Luxiere is a bit strange but he'll calm down. Someday," answered Bo. "I think he's jealous of you. Zack doesn't stay with one person as much as with you. He's a social butterfly."
"Yeah, but he say I use Zack to become SOLDIER."
"He should know it doesn't work that way, even if you tried. You have a special something with Zack and I'll be happy to know how you hold his attention this long. Though, I'm curious about Luxiere's reaction when Zack will have a lover for more than a month. Or Gods forbid, his soulmate!" Bo laughed. "It's my floor. Bye, Nibelheimer!"
"Bye," Cloud said back, waving without energy. He chuckled when the doors closed on him again. "A special something, uh?"
He smiled like a goof, Zack and him were pretty tight lipped about the whole thing since it was in both of their cultures, but if you knew the signs... or people could ask. None of them would lie or hide the truth if only asked, but nobody made the connection yet. It was possible that Bo was suspicious, he was born and lived near Nibelheim. He did know about some strange cultural thingy from the mountain. It was one of the reasons he and Cloud were friendly even, if the blonde was not fond of socialising.
Angeal should know, if he wasn't so overwhelmed and could spend time with Zack – and Cloud.
Cloud stepped outside the lift, arriving at the medical ward and carried on his way to the labs.
"Spike!"
Cloud held his arms in the air before he was lifted in a bear hug by a very gross SOLDIER. Zack put him down, a smile on his lips as Cloud complained about the grim on his uniform. At least the folder was safe and sound. Then Cloud remembered where they were.
"Why are you here? Are you hurt? You okay?"
"Hey, hey Spike, calm down. I'm a First now! Too cool to be hurt. Although Angeal still kicks my ass. But I'm all fine, better now that I saw my best friend. New Corporal, soon to be SOLDIER. And I burnt my tongue on coffee the other day." Cloud blushed at the praise but let Zack talk. He would give him his answer in all the seemingly unrelated sentences. "Abe, the third Class that was with me, was hurt though. I put him in the doc's hands."
Cloud breathed in relief. He hit Zack on the nose with the folder, earning Zack's undivided attention. "I need to give that to a scientist then work. Go wash yourself and sleep."
"You're coming tonight?"
"You'll be sleeping like a hibernating bear."
"C'mon! And bring something to eat. I'm starving."
Zack ruffled Cloud's hair and bolted out of the corridor. Some nurses and doctors looked away as Cloud remarked them. He groaned, but let it slide, everyone spied on the Firsts Class SOLDIERs like it was a national sport.
In the corridor leading to the labs was a man Cloud never thought he would see. Even if he was with Zack. Sephiroth stood there, leaning against the wall as he waited for something. He frowned at Cloud. The infantryman made a startled noise, he stumbled on his own feet, then disappeared in the lab, hiding his deep blush at the awkwardness Sephiroth saw from him.
The scientist at the entry desk didn't even spare him a glance. "Sephiroth is already out. Didn't you see him?"
"Uh? Yes?"
"Then you don't need to be here."
Cloud stayed silent as he tried to understand what was going on. He put the files on the desk with slow movements.
"Lt. General Angeal asked me to give you this."
"Oh. Thank you, you can go."
The infantryman nodded and exited the lab. Sephiroth was still here. He glared again. Which, now that Cloud thought about it, was strange for the composed man.
Cloud stopped breathing as his heart decided it was time to panic. He tried to remember everything Zack said on dealing with a wild and angry Sephiroth.
"Mint chocolate chip is his weakness, go for it. If he's angry with you it mellows him enough for you to run for your life. Though, you'll want to put Genesis on his path first. He'll irritate him a bit more and they'll go for a spar. Well, it worked like that before they knew for their bond. So try to irritate Genesis first. Then put him on his path. Then put Angeal and wait for Seph with a bowl of ice cream and Banora apple juice. You'll be fine," had said Zack, still munching on a pizza. "Except if Genesis and Sephiroth wired up each other and took you as their target. Even Angeal couldn't reason the two without letting them steam off. So if it happens, you're dead."
Nothing was helpful in this scenario and Cloud hoped Hel would be clement on him. Sephiroth wobbled on his legs, Cloud reached an arm on instinct and held the man still. Sephiroth blinked, expired, then opened his mouth to thank him like it was hard to say. Cloud could have taken umbrage if he didn't deal with a Zack sluggish and high, not three weeks ago.
"Did- did you have a mako booster, sir?" Cloud asked, lips dry.
Sephiroth chuckled, a weak sound that didn't carry any joy. He didn't answer, only looked at Cloud.
"Will you let me help you?" Cloud murmured. He didn't want to hurt Sephiroth's sensible hearing. He was a bit dejected. He was sure the man would shake him off and make him remember he was the General. He was not any other SOLDIER, whatever Zack said.
"Please."
Cloud blinked then staggered as a big body pressed against him. He gritted his teeth and cursed his little frame. He hoped he'll have the growth spurt soon because helping heavy men walking would be a lot easier if they weren't half his size.
Well, he couldn't retract his help now. Cloud would help the man exit the hellish place even if he had to drag him on the ground. Although, Cloud was certain leather would stick and squeak on the lino.
"Shit," Cloud muttered.
Passing by the corridor connecting to the medical bay, Cloud ignored the stares following them. He tried his damnedest not to show how hard it was to support the man. For others, the way Sephiroth stood made him look a bit unstable on his legs. Yet the infantryman was almost crushed under his weight.
"Damn, Zack, why did you go?" whimpered Cloud, pushing the button for the lift. Then he remembered he kind of ordered Zack to take a shower. He cursed himself.
The voyage in the lift was silent and nerve wrenching for Cloud. Sephiroth leaned on the wall more than on him but Cloud had still the man's arm around his shoulders. He could feel the tremors from Sephiroth and heard his inspirations he tried to even out. The 'ping' of their floor made Cloud jump like a surprised cat, waking up Sephiroth a bit.
They made it off the lift before Cloud thought that he didn't want Sephiroth to be alone in this state. He moistened his lips and took a breath to steady himself.
"Sir, I don't think letting you alone like that is a good idea."
"And it would be an honour to spend time with me, right?" Sephiroth responded dryly.
Cloud closed his eyes and forced himself to breath before answering.
"No, I know Zack prefer being with me when he has boosters. Do you want to go to Angeal's or Genesis's apartment? Or I'll help you to yours and fetch one of them. As you want."
Sephiroth seemed surprised but nodded and pointed to one of the door in the hall.
"Genesis' home, please," he said, voice almost pleading.
Cloud all but dragged Sephiroth to the door with Genesis' name. He juggled with his heavy charge for not loosing his grip as he knocked on the door.
The door was flung open with an angry "What?" throwed at Cloud. Then Genesis froze.
"Seph!" Genesis exclaimed, grabbing the silver General. The redhead turned his eyes to Cloud and frowned. "You're the puppy toy aren't you?"
Cloud scowled and shoved Sephiroth in Genesis' arms. He saw him wince as Sephiroth hold on his shoulder to break his fall. The General straightened the second he heard the sound of pain from Genesis. Sephiroth stood like any SOLDIER under an inspection. Genesis reached for Sephiroth and stroked his cheek, murmuring to the man that he was fine.
In an instant the infantryman knew some of the rumors were true.
Genesis is hurt, they said. Hollander tried to made him quit ShinRa, taking others SOLDIERs with him. He is not all there in his head. He is placed under a sort of house arrest.
Genesis was hurt. That Cloud could see it for himself. Dark blood on Genesis shoulder swept on his shirt. He was pretty sure Sephiroth saw it too. Others rumors could have a part of veracity. Letting a weakened Lt. General go outside was a clear target for the Wutaiian rebels.
Seeing them being intimate made Cloud feel like an outsider looking in. He fidgeted with embarrassment and cleared is throat.
"I-I'll be leaving now, good day, sirs."
"Yes, you should already be doing whatever troopers do."
Cloud nodded, feeling more empty than angry, and headed back for the lift. He shook his head, trying to understand why he felt empty. Zack always wanted to know why he felt some way, and if introspection made Cloud angry or afraid a lot of time, it did help.
"Don't be harsh, Genesis," Sephiroth whispered.
The infantryman willed himself not to overheard the conversation. But his ears couldn't stop working on demand.
Genesis scoffed, "Come here, darling, we're putting you to bed and cuddling for the rest of the day."
Cloud disappeared in the lift and slammed his hand on the button. He certainly didn't look at the two SOLDIERs embraced. And he understood why he felt empty: he wanted that too. He wanted Zack. Right now he couldn't be bothered by Zack gentle order to bring food and himself to his apartment. He couldn't wait for his working hours to be over.
But first he needed to finish his work for the day. He headed for the barracks, sighing at the prospect of patrolling the plate.
"Cloud! Where were you?" one of his comrade yelled. "Never mind, follow me. We have new orders, we're packing up."
"What? We're leaving? For how long?"
"Two weeks max. Don't worry your pretty head, we won't miss the SOLDIERs exams."
Cloud grumbled, asking the gods why he couldn't spend time with Zack. At snail's pace, he followed his fellow infantryman giving him the details of the mission. He wished he had a PHS to warn Zack.
ₒₒₒ
Sephiroth grabbed his PHS with concealed fury. Genesis had started napping halfway in his book on his lap and he found himself alone with his own thoughts for the first time in weeks. The redhead breath had been a background sound that helped Sephiroth relax during his introspection.
As soon as the rigging started, Genesis stirred, and Sephiroth hoped it was important. Life or death important. If not, he would personally made it as such for the caller.
"Hello Seph." Angeal's voice calmed the general. Until he thought of the reasons why he would communicate during a mission. "Zack called me earlier, but I couldn't talk."
"He is lonely. His trooper friend is on an assignment outside of Midgar," Sephiroth said, absent-mindedly stroking Genesis' hair. He ignored the pang in his heart at seeing the color fade from the strands.
"Seph, I know him. He wasn't good. He didn't put a fight when I said I couldn't talk."
Genesis kissed Sephiroth's hand that was resting on his head and stretched.
"Just... find him, please?"
"I will,"Sephiroth sighed. "Be safe."
He stood when Angeal hung up and called Zack's PHS in hope to reach him but to no avail. Sephiroth wandered into the ShinRa labyrinth, checking all the favorite places of the puppy. Genesis was the first to lose patience and grabbed Sephiroth's hand to stop him.
"We can ask Kunsel."
"You should be at home," Sephiroth retorted. He squeezed Genesis' hand back before dropping it and followed the advice.
As it was Kunsel had Zack's location, as always, and the two First Class were heading for the army barracks. They weren't happy about it. Both of them thought Zack's friend returned and they were catching up. Or Zack's friend, who was still a mere human, wanted to sleep and didn't give enough attention to the puppy who ended wandering the halls and calling superiors.
Reaching the barracks they noticed the heavy atmosphere around them. Troopers muttered between themselves and wore dark expressions. Genesis asked for Zack's spot, a shaking finger answered him.
They arrived at a dormitory empty of any men except for Zack sitting on a bed. He had a photography in hand and didn't remove his eyes from it.
"Hey."
Sephiroth and Genesis exchanged a worried glance at the monotonous salutation. Zack looked lifeless.
"Cloud's squad fell in a trap. Explosions everywhere as I heard," Zack explained. His smile sent shivers to Sephiroth and Genesis. "None of them survived. Even the ones rescued died of their wounds later in medic care."
Sephiroth knew his face showed nothing of his mental state but something twisted painfully in his stomach as Zack talked. He cleared his throat but Zack continued.
"Man, I don't even know how I'll drop the news to his mother. The poor woman doesn't remember Cloud is in the army half the time."
Heidegger rarely informed the SOLDIER department of his squadrons' situations if the two departments weren't teaming up at first. It never bothered Sephiroth as it made less papers for him. The squads in difficulties often made it by themselves in such instance. They had a tendency to disobey Heidegger orders to save their lives. Sephiroth though about the way Zack's loss could have been averted if only … but "if" didn't change reality.
Sephiroth tore from his frozen panic and approached the new First. He crouched and squeezed Zack's knee, not trusting his own voice. Even if he did, he hesitated on what to say on such a situation. Behind them Genesis closed the door to give them all privacy.
"I understand your sorrow at losing a dear friend this young. The renewed war is cause of great anguish for us. I – We will help as we can. You already delivered such information for others comrades. You can do the same for your friend."
Zack snorted then lifted his head to meet the General's eyes. His expression froze Sephiroth to the core. It was the look of a broken man.
"Seph, Cloud is … w-was," Zack stammered, tears falling from widened eyes. "He was my soulmate."
.
.