You asked for it, here goes. hehehehe.
My very first Tseng x Cloud pairing, and goodness me, has it been a difficult start. I really have the energy for it now though!!! XD
PLEASE don't hate me if you don't quite like this. If you do hate it, please review and tell me whyyy. If you love it, that would also be good. P
I lamb the Turks. God, how I love them. They are the most fun and interesting to write about, I think. heheh. All of them vary so much in character that to write the group as a whole is thoroughly awesome for me. heheh.
The usual disclaimer: I do not own final Fantasy, Squaresoft/Square Enix, any of their characters, any of their workers or any of their logos etc. If I did, the game would be more 'fun'. heheheh.
Oh yeah, and Yaoi in the upcoming chapters.You don't really like it? That's cool, I know plenty who don't. But that's your problem. This is here for all of us who DO like it, so be polite. -ner-
p.s Sorry for lame title, but deary me do I suck at naming things. Pity my children if i have any. heheheheh.
p.p.s I'm already hinting at another future pairing here. See if you can guess what it is. P Zack aaaaand... -insert guess- P
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The General stood regally on the stage before him as he sat alongside Reno and Rude, both of whom had their eyes glued to Sephiroth. Tseng had his eyes focused slightly to the left of the General however to the group standing nervously behind him. His eyes were sweeping along the skittish youngsters, all of whom he had watched through their training, scoping his next batch of elites. There were three from that particular batch that he had sights set on. All of them were now graduating into SOLDIER third class from the Turk's approval, and yet none of them had been selected as members. Tseng had remembered paying particular attention to the blonde just behind Sephiroth and to his left, who was casting his eyes downwards, his cheeks tinged pink with embarrassment.
...Cloud Strife...Blonde bombshell...
Tseng had been caught off guard by the appearance of Cloud since he had first seen him. Blonde hair jagging out at every angle, sapphire blue eyes which had glowed even before mako treatments, a small but promising frame and a general air of self-assurity. Cloud would be sure to fill out nicely into a well built young man, and alrthough he may end up a little shorter then his fellow students and comrades, he was one who was adjusted to both power and speed. Tseng had watched his graceful movements at training sessions, as well as his spars in spare times at the training hall. He'd shaken Cloud's hand in greeting, and been lost in the pools of blue looking nervously up at him, and he had been gone since then. He had seemed quite familiar with Lieutenant Zack Fair, however, as everytime he had seen the blonde so far, Zack had been somewhere in the immediate area. Zack was usually the one that Cloud was indeed sparring with, or sitting with in the cafeteria, or being observed by at training sessions.
Tseng turned his attention to the General, who was seemingly reluctant to even be giving his introductory speech for the new SOLDIERs.
...If he's friendly with Zack I have no doubt you have also heard of his potential, Sephiroth...
Sephiroth had taken Zack from him, he wasn't going to let Cloud slip through the cracks in the same way. Zack had shown potential and risen through SOLDIER ranks in record time. Tseng had seen the flair in him from day one. The same air of potential and confidence which now radiated through Cloud. Even if he couldn't get him into the turks, Cloud was going to make a big impression on the world someday.
"...These are your elite forces... Welcome them to the force and remember their faces," Sephiroth was finally wrapping up, "This is the future of ShinRa."
With that, applause broke out, and a somewhat disgruntled Sephiroth left the stage in a hurry. The SOLDIERs behind him however, stood for a few moments, some bowing, whilst others were clapping their comrades. Cloud was sweeping eyes over the room, and Tseng startled a little, as Cloud's eyes settled on him. He made sure to smile at the blonde, and continued his clapping, as Cloud smiled sheepishly, and shrugged a little.
Tseng rose as Cloud began to head off the stage and walked up alongside him as he climbed off the platform. Reno and Rude were already loyally by his side. They were certainly trained well.
"Commander..." Cloud saluted, as Tseng placed a light hand on Cloud's shoulder, somewhat steering him for the door.
"SOLDIER..." Tseng smiled as Cloud flashed a grin at his title, "Congratulations."
"Thank you sir. It was nice to see you guys here..." Cloud smiled gratefully, "And Zack of course, but he hangs round like a bad smell. Too worried I'll get hurt..."
Tseng chuckled a little, as Cloud waved at a SOLDIER first class, presumably a friend of the lieutenant's.
"Yeah, good going Cloud," Reno smirked a little, "You've already got connections going for you. You're pretty much all set."
"Heh... well I dunno," Cloud shrugged off the tease, "Pretty much only Zack. He's the one with connections..."
"Power by assosciation..." Rude suddenly chimed in, as Reno snorted.
"I almost forget you talk sometimes..." Reno snorted again, "but yeah, what he said..."
Tseng gave a backward glance toward Reno and Rude who were smirking at eachother, as they exited the main building.
"Have you ever considered being a turk?" Tseng asked Cloud brashly, as the blonde faltered, along with Reno and Rude.
"A turk?" All three said in unison, as Tseng smiled in amusement.
"You all heard me. I think you have what it takes..." Tseng said smoothly, as Cloud held his eyes. He watched the familiar captivation in the blonde's eyes. He had been told on many occassion that his eyes were unique. He had never really noticed, but even Reno had commented on their effect.
"It's like being caught in head lights. It's just a wave of piercing brown..." Reno had shrugged at this, "It's like a safe kind of feeling in there, but also one where you just KNOW that you can see right through me. Kinda unsettling, ya know?"
Tseng had shrugged a little at the remark, not sure what he was meant to say.
"A turk though? I mean..." Cloud snorted, as Tseng continued to watch the blonde, "They're the top of the league..."
"A bit of training, and you could be..." Tseng replied, as Cloud looked away.
"Zack wants me in SOLDIER. There are a lot of rumours about the Turks..." Cloud shrugged a little.
"We recruit people, do some bodyguard work, that's all..." Reno replied sharply, with a wide smirk on his face. Rude snorted at this statement, as Tseng eyed the pair off warningly.
"And all the rest, apparently..." Cloud retorted awkwardly, as if he wasn't sure of the bounds he was stepping towards.
"Well, just think it over..." Tseng replied, as one of his younger Turks approached him, papers in hand.
"Commander!" The brunette saluted, slightly out of breath, "These are from the president. He wants us on a mission, thinks that Reno and Rude would benefit from the experience..."
"Alright..." Tseng replied slowly, continuing to walk as he flicked through the papers.
They were expected to assasinate one of a revolutionary group's leaders, leaving no trace of the killing behind. This meant that even those closest to the victim would not be around to see it happen, and would not be aware of it until the turks were well out of the way. It was somewhat of a demanding task, but not at all impossible. He handed the papers to Reno, who snorted.
"As I said, recruitment..." Reno sighed, passing the papers off to Rude.
"Well Cloud, we'd best be off. Take care if I don't see you anytime soon..." Tseng smiled at the blonde, who returned the favour, saluting the commander. Tseng saluted back and held out a hand for Cloud to take, shaking it firmly.
"You too commander," Cloud replied smoothly, before turning to Reno and Rude, "Good luck with the 'recruiting', guys..."
"Brash, very brash..." Reno smirked, also shaking Cloud's hand, before following Tseng to head quarters. They were to pass Sephiroth on the way, heading for the SOLDIER barracks with the same cold and closed expression Tseng was all too familiar with. Reno had commented on the appearance of the General, and Tseng took note of the word 'agro' which Reno had used. He had believed this to sum up the General in the shortest way possible, and was not at all against using it in future reference to the General.
Cloud had left the Turks with a strange feeling creeping across him. Everyone had heard the rumours, but he wasn't exactly sure just how bad the turks were. He had befriended Reno when he had first come to Shinra, and the Turk had welcomed him graciously. He had then only been a SOLDIER third class himself, but even then, Cloud had seen Reno's potential and confidence win him rankings and eventual acceptance into the Turks. He had even seen Tseng's promotion from Lieutenant Commander to Commander. Zack had gone through the same process, although rankings varied slightly from SOLDIER to the Turks, not to mention Zack had gotten there considerably faster. Commander was the highest rank below the president on the Turk's behalf. Zack had been promoted from Major to Lieutenant Colonel as Tseng had been promoted, and they held the same powers and rights within the military. Zack however, was able to progress higher, and still had those he took orders from. Tseng had unlimited power within the turks, and he showed it. Cloud considered the option of becoming a turk as a career move, and faltered a little on the small amount of progress he was indeed capable of making. He then considered SOLDIER, and was then to falter at the ammount of competition even Zack had spoken of. There were at least four lieutenant Colonel's that Cloud knew of. There was only one Turk Commander.
"Spikey!" A voice called from down the hall, as Cloud looked up to see none other then Zack himself bounding down the corridor.
"Hey Zack, how's it goin?" Cloud asked, as Zack grinned.
"Alright I guess, but you won't believe this crap!" Zack scowled, thrusting a piece of paper at Cloud, who took it gingerly. Cloud grinned as he read the text.
...Notice of promotion- Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel- James Macky, Tom Nyueng, Ryan Thompson, Zack Fair... personnel are expected to attend ceremonial proceedings today at 4pm sharp.
"Wow!" Cloud grinned at Zack who scowled a little.
"I know! As if promote Macky too!" Zack scowled, before snorting.
"Oh get over it colonel..." Cloud teased, as Zack punched him playfully.
"How good was your graduation, hey?" Zack grinned, and Cloud shrugged a little. It had all been a little mortifying, having to stand before the whole of Shinra and be boasted about by Sephiroth. He also felt a little bitter towards the General at the false hope he gave them all. Cloud had wanted to be just like Sephiroth, and had been one of the few SOLDIERS who had had the privilege of seeing him fight. Afterwards however, he had lost just about all hope of ever achieving amy sort of agility or power that Sephiroth had.
"Well Zack, Sephiroth was just all out full of crap really..." Cloud muttered, as Zack let out an exhasperated sigh.
"What, you really think he would tell you all that stuff for nothing?"
"I've seen him fight Zack, he's a machine. We all know what kind of dirty work he's done as well..." Cloud shrugged, "It's easier to believe that you can rival Tseng then you can Sephiroth. Tseng's friendlier too."
"Whoa!" Zack stopped, grabbing Cloud by the shoulders and shaking him a little, "What makes you think that he's any different from Sephiroth in that manner?"
"Uh... he was a heck of a lot friendlier to me then Sephiroth ever is..." Cloud replied, puzzled at the rather severe reaction Zack apparently had.
"Sephiroth may not be the most cosy bastard in this place but he's honest and he knows what he needs and wants and how to get it fairly..." Zack frowned a little, "But Tseng is a Turk, Cloud. What have I told you about them? Not to be trusted. Their loyalties are with themselves, no distinction between right or wrong."
"Tseng's always been nice to me, Reno too..." Cloud replied rather sulkily, feeling as if he was being lectured by his mother.
"I didn't say they weren't ok at times, just that you can't trust them. They might be alright one second, but most of the time they're just bad people..." Zack sighed, squeezing Cloud's shoulder, "You remember what happened with Reno?"
Of course Cloud did. Reno had been somewhat of a quiet achiever. He rised quickly in ranks, and yet stuck to his own group, consisting of Rude and a few others who rarely said much and stuck to their own business. Cameron Moore, the then Turk leader, accompanied by his right hand man Tseng, had lead Reno into a friendship which would ultimately change his life and the choices within it. Cloud had chosen however, to see it as Reno always having the Turk in him, and Cameron and Tseng had simply coaxed it out. Maybe it was much the same with himself, he wasn't overly sure, but he failed to see any of the violence or similar from the turks that he had heard of.
"Yeah, I guess..." Cloud shrugged, and Zack patted his shoulder.
Zack walked in silence with the blonde by his side, an uneasy feeling settling in his stomach. Cloud was heading for the Turks, he could tell, and he knew just what Sephiroth would have to say about that. Zack had been given specific orders to keep Cloud out of their clutches, as Sephiroth had seen potential in Cloud, and had also taken notice of Tseng's interest in the blonde. Zack had been the one to bring it up, for reasons that un-nerved him even more so. He had not told Sephiroth of Tseng's apparent obsession with Cloud for some time, and had still not spoken of his other suspicion of Tseng's attraction to the blonde. He had presumed however, that Sephiroth was weary of this, as he was even moreso protective of Cloud when Tseng was around. Both the General and Zack were more then aware of Tseng's charm and persuasive techniques, seeing several of their best SOLDIERS scooped up by the Turks and one or two swept dangerously into Tseng's arms.
"So you coming to the graduation bash?" Zack grinned at Cloud, who nodded animatedly.
"Are you insane?!" Cloud cried, "As if I wouldn't."
Zack grinned at the blonde before him, and relished a little in how far the kid had gotten. He'd seen Cloud from the time he was a straggly thirteen year old grow into the mature sixteen year old he now was. He had grown so quickly, and had become so much more like a SOLDIER then Zack had ever dreamed. He cringed at the thought of his brotherly figure being swayed to the Turks for all the wrong reasons, and wanted nothing less then for Cloud to be lead astray.
"Awesome! Alright, well I have to go speak to Seph, so I'll catch you there?" Zack smiled, and Cloud shrugged a little.
"Sure, seems alright. Say hi to high and mighty..." Cloud smirked, as Zack sighed, smirking himself. Sephiroth had indeed been a little high and mighty today, which usually meant nothing more then him attempting to cover a foul mood, and Zack was hesitant to approach him with the news. Yet, he'd seen Tseng and Cloud talking earlier, and if anyone were to have the power to deny access to the turks, it was Sephiroth. Zack knew the General didn't want to pull strings, but he would if he had to.
"Sure will..." Zack smiled, apparently a little unconvincingly, as Cloud frowned slightly.
"You alright?" Cloud asked concerned, and Zack threw on his most charming grin and nodded.
"Ya! But hey, are you thinking of becoming a Turk or something?" Zack pressed forward a little slightly, knowing that that question could make or break the conversation.
"No idea, really. I'll see you later though, Zack. I have a room full of people to talk with now..." Cloud smiled forceably, turning on his heel and heading towards his own quarters. Zack felt an uneasiness creep across him, as he made a bee line for the General's office.
"SOLDIER Third class Cloud, movin up in the world!"
"You too good to have a beer with us Cadets, Cloud?!"
"Check it out, Third Class comin through!! Step back boys!"
Cloud had heard the wave of greetings and remarks as he entered the room full of his newly promoted SOLDIER friends, and those who weren't as lucky.
"Always next year!" Marcus, one of the unfortunate ones had grinned, "It's alright, I'll just have extra training, hey?"
"I was so sure you'd make it Marcus..." Cloud frowned a little, but the brunette shrugged it off, downing a glass of bourbon and cola instead. Cloud tended to try and edge away from alcohol, well aware that he did not handle it well. It didn't take much, and Cloud was all over the place, and that usually resulted in some of the older boys to make advancements on the blonde. Luckily, Zack had been there on every occassion involving alcohol. This time however, Cloud had to fight it out alone.
"Hey, it's all good! I was probably a little too cocky, actually..." Marcus pondered, before his friend dragged the cadet away, as he waved over his shoulder at Cloud. Cloud waved in reply, standing somewhat awkwardly, before a movement to his right caught his attention.
"Hey Cloud..." A blonde Cloud recognised as Zack's first class buddy Ryan Thompson, sidled up to the blonde, beverage in hand.
"Hey Ryan..." Cloud smiled a little, as the first class wiped his jet black hair from his eyes and smiled alluringly at the blonde.
...First sign...
"Congratulations, Welcome to SOLDIER!" Ryan continued to smile, clapping Cloud on the back, leaving his hand there as he continued to talk.
...Second sign...
"Thanks Ryan," Cloud mumbled, "but shouldn't you be getting ready for your own graduation?"
Ryan shrugged, letting eyes wash over Cloud, as he shook his head a little.
"I don't think so, I mean, that's ages away..." Ryan smiled widely, "Besides, you guys are heaps more fun. You're pretty cool to hang with, Cloud..."
...There's number Three... One More...
"Oh, well that's alright I guess..." Cloud shrugged casually, scoping out an exit, "I guess you're enjoying it then?"
"Yeah... Can I grab you a drink?" Ryan pretty much purred out the line, and Cloud inwardly groaned.
...Number Four... Accept and leave...
"Sure," Cloud smiled, "I'll wait here though, if you don't mind?"
Ryan shrugged, taking the empty glass Cloud had been drinking his water from off the blonde and heading for the fridge.
Cloud took the opportunity to sneak into his own room and lock the door. He thanked the heavens that Zack had given him a crash course in how to spot the intentions of the men at ShinRa.
"The first thing they'll do is come right up to you and grab your attention..." Zack sighed, rolling his eyes, "Then there'll be some kind of not so subtle un-necessary body contact that they think you won't notice... Before they throw little compliments about enjoying your company and liking your friends..."
"Oh... then what?" Cloud had asked, and Zack had sighed.
"Then they try and get you drunk. Same thing with the girls ma boy, except they expect you to buy the drinks..." Zack replied solemnly, as Cloud snorted.
"I highly doubt that that will happen to me all that much..." Cloud replied confidently, before Zack had gaped in surprise.
"You're kidding right?" Zack asked, as Cloud had shaken his head, "You'll be getting the attention off both sides!"
Cloud had indeed caught the attention of males and females alike since he had joined ShinRa, and Zack had said that Cloud would be alright with pretty much anyone who worked there. He had then sat Cloud down and looked him squarely in the eyes.
"But never get involved with a ShinRa official..." Zack had urged, "and never EVER get involved with a turk..."
"But why?"
"They equal heartbreak. Outright. They'll use you and abuse you," Zack replied, and if Cloud hadn't known him as well as he did, he would have missed the bitterness that flashed across the Lieutenant's face. Cloud pondered at the thought that Zack himself may have been lured down that path, as he stretched out across his bed, and stared out his window. It was beginning to drizzle, a somewhat dismal sight, as he watched the dedicated SOLDIERs commence training on the parade grounds outside his window.
...And to think I'll be out there by tomorrow...
The thought was daunting to Cloud. When he had first joined the ShinRa army, he had been too young to even apply for SOLDIER, and now he'd made it to Third Class. It had taken longer then he had hoped, but presumably, quicker then usual, as word had spread of his work.
...Fastest rising SOLDIER since Zack... I hope you're proud, mum... I'm getting th- SHIT!
Cloud had just about fallen off his bunk as a fiery flash of red appeared against his window, and Reno smirked at the blonde. Cloud pulled himself together, as Reno gestured for him to open the window. Cloud did so cautiously, aware that Reno had his electro-mag rod casually slung over his shoulder, and Cloud had been told of the power behind it.
"Hey Strife, how's it hanging?" Reno continued smirking once Cloud had pulled the window open, before he began climbing over the window sill.
"Uh, Reno?" Cloud prompted the explanation, stepping back as Reno pulled the window shut behind him.
"Not enjoying the party, are we Cloud?" Reno asked curiously, taking place on the bunk above Cloud's without hesitation, letting his legs hang over the edge.
"Uh, a lot of people are drinking..." Cloud shrugged, feeling more as if he were a cornered animal with each passing moment. Reno seemed to regard Cloud with every response, and Cloud was feeling more as if he were being surveyed then anything. He'd just had a Turk clamber through his window and perch on his room-mate's bed. He wasn't sure why, which made it more unsettling, even as Reno focused an intense gaze on the blonde.
"Not a big drinker?" Reno queried, and Cloud shrugged.
"Don't mind it, just can't handle it too well..." Cloud blushed a little, as Reno snorted.
"I think you and Rude should get along fine. Didn't think Fair would let you drink anyway..."
"With all do respect, Reno... What are you doing here?" Cloud asked, as Reno's smirk grew wider.
"Not much for small talk? Well, alright..." He replied, hopping down from the bunk, as Cloud instinctively stepped back. Cloud's eyes flicked to his buster sword by the wall, as Reno's hand flexed over his weapon.
...He wouldn't come here to attack me, surely?
Cloud was feeling a little uneased as Reno remained silent, instead observing.
...I mean, he's kinda like my frie- WHOA...
Cloud dive rolled to the side, as Reno lashed out with his rod, and Cloud lunged for the buster. Cloud splayed on his back, and held up the sword, as Reno attacked again, blocking the blow, and pushing the Turk backwards.
"Reno! what the hell?!" Cloud cried, as he sprang upwards, sword at the ready, as Reno stood casually, eyeing Cloud off.
"What's the matter Cloud?" he smirked, leaping towards the blonde, striking the blonde's side with the stun baton, as Cloud spun and struck Reno hard with the flat of his sword, winding the Turk. Cloud wanted himself protected, yet, was still reluctant to injure the Turk. Reno pulled himself up, spinning the rod and moving to strike Cloud again, as Cloud kept his eyes squarely on the rod. This proved to be a bad idea as Reno then raised the bar above his head, before turning swiftly and instead swinging his leg on the ground, catching Cloud's feet. The blonde had managed to catch on in time, barely doing a small leap to his left, before swinging a controlled aim towards Reno's throat, stopping to rest the blade against the redhead. Reno smirked at Cloud and watched him from the corner of his eye.
"Alright then, awesome..." Reno smirked, stepping back from the blade, as Cloud breathed heavily. He retracted the rod, and placed it in his belt buckle, before giving a small wave to Cloud, and exiting back through the window. Cloud was left stunned, falling onto his bed in confusion, as he gripped the hilt of the Buster, and held the sword by his side.
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"Check it..." Reno laughed a little, pulling up his shirt and showing a long bruise across his stomach, characteristic of a standard issue Buster Sword. The redhead shrugged, as he let the shirt fall, Tseng watching him in amusement. Reno was seemingly proud of the battle injuries he had received, and had given nothing but praise to Cloud for his efforts.
"That's quite a mark..." Tseng smiled a little, as Reno nodded.
"Knocked me over and all, and then..." Reno paused, pulling back his collar slightly to where a thin cut was, "Managed to get in a deadly hold. Had the sword at my throat, caught me completely off guard!"
"That is indeed impressive..." Tseng mused, as Rude turned slightly paler, Reno smirking at his friend.
"That's why you weren't sent, Rude..." Reno snorted, as Rude raised his eyebrows slightly, "You're not a fan of close calls, are you?"
Rude shook his head slowly, shifting in the chair he was in in front of Tseng's desk.
"Already exceeding expectations..." Tseng smiled, before a thought crossed his mind, "But how was he when you left?"
"Well, a little shaken. I mean, who would be expecting that?" Reno smirked, as Tseng shook his head slightly.
"I mean, do you think he will tell anyone?" Tseng asked, as Reno shrugged.
"Couldn't tell..."
"If he tells Fair, we'll be in a spot..." Tseng rubbed his temple a little, frustrated at the fact that he had missed such a vital flaw.
"Why's that?" Reno replied, as Tseng scowled a little.
"Sephiroth will know in a flash..." Tseng stood rather suddenly, heading for the door, "He can't catch on..."
"So what are you gonna do about it, boss?"
"Catch on to Cloud before the General does..."
"He'll be at Fair's graduation..." Reno shrugged, "We could catch him then..."
"It'll be too late by then..." Rude piped up, as Tseng smiled at the pair.
"If you spoke, and Reno listened..." he smirked, "You two would learn a bit."
Tseng pulled open the door and closed it behind him as he left, leaving behind two scowling Turks, clearly unimpressed with the Commander.
Cloud was a little more then on edge as he perched against the wall, eyes flicking from the door to the window.
..."Come to Shinra, where we train you to expect the least, and then turn you into a paranoid twit"...
He jumped slightly at the knock at his door, and hit his head on the bunk above him. He scowled and cursed himself, rubbing the place he'd hit and turning eyes back to the slowly opening door. Cloud was met with an instant warmth, as a pair of chocolate brown latched onto his eyes, and a gentle smile slid in the room. Cloud clambered off the bunk, scowling at the intruder, holding the buster sword against his throat.
"Afternoon SOLDIER..." Tseng smiled, as Cloud shook his head.
"Don't give me that crap!" Cloud hissed, "I got attacked in my own quarters by one of your men!"
Tseng continued to stand in the doorway, before slowly closing the door behind him and frowning slightly, turning eyes away from Cloud.
"Yes, the reason I am here, Cloud..." Tseng smiled softly, turning eyes back to meet Cloud. Cloud swallowed, wishing he wouldn't damn well do that. All Tseng seemed to have to do was look at the blonde, and Cloud was trapped in something he couldn't get out of.
...Damn Turks...
"Explain then, Commander..." Cloud huffed a little, lowering his sword, as Tseng gestured at the chair in the corner of the room.
"May I?" He asked, and Cloud nodded, before the Turk took the seat and sat in it, somewhat seeming refined and regal in such a simple motion.
"You see Cloud," Tseng explained, "If Reno was here to kill you, we would not be having this conversation..."
A chill struck Cloud's spine at the tone of Tseng's voice, which had been nothing short of brutally honest. Cloud had often forgotten how dangerous a Turk could be, and was beginning to be reminded of it, when he had now had two come into his room unannounced and potentially lethal.
...Tseng at least knocked... I guess that works...
"Then why was he here?" Cloud asked, perching on his own bunk, still wearily eyeing off the commander as he brushed long strands of hair across from his eyes, continuing to peer out at the blonde. Cloud felt like he was trapped, but not in a particularly bad way.
...I feel like prey... But it's not entirely uncomfortable...
"He's testing you, on my orders..." Tseng murmured.
"On your orders?!" Cloud cried, and Tseng seemingly flinched a little.
"I apologise sincerely Cloud. I understand your anger, but I found it necessary..." Tseng said slowly, "I wanted to know if you really were Turk material. Now I know you are, and I want you more..."
Tseng threw out some heat in the statement, and Cloud prayed he wasn't blushing, as thoughts raced through his mind at the meak suggestive tone.
...That was all in my head, I'm imagining things...
"You want me as a Turk that bad?" Cloud asked slowly, and Tseng nodded, leaning forward slightly in his seat, eyes never once leaving Cloud's, as they seemed to draw all light from the room. Cloud had a mental image of Tseng with a small pipe instrument, playing a tune and luring Cloud like a snake from his basket. He really was a charmer, and what bothered Cloud the most was that Tseng was seemingly unaware of the effect he had. Cloud's mind raced at what the Commander may be like when he was trying to please and allure, and it brought about a blush to the blonde's cheeks. Tseng, ever observant, seemed to notice, and smiled slightly.
"Yes, no need to be embarrassed either, Cloud..." Tseng said gently, his voice floating on the air, "You should be proud more then anything". Cloud had somewhat been aware of how Tseng had effected him before, but never had he been in such a small space alone with the commander, with one hundred percent of his attention. Cloud had recalled his first encounter with Tseng and the way Tseng's eyes had lingered on him, as the commander had shaken his hand at a cadet inspection two years ago. Tseng was newly appointed as Commander, and was making the first rounds of the cadets. He'd stopped at Cloud, and had had a small conversation, as Reno had hung over his shoulder, smiling at the blonde knowingly. From that day, Cloud had been marred with conflicts.
He had recalled earlier that day, as Tseng had watched over him intensely, and faltered when Cloud had met his eyes. The softness over the Commander's face had been surprising, and he had seen Sephiroth react almost immediately. His fists had clenched slightly, and he had left the stage in a huff, eyes directed at the front row. Tseng had seemed oblivious however, eyes focused squarely on Cloud. Zack had told Cloud in subtle hints that the General had some kind of feelings for Cloud, and the thought was overwhelming. Yet, Tseng had been so much more caring, and genuinely interested in Cloud then Sephiroth had ever even appeared to be.
"Oh, well... I'm still not overly sure..." Cloud replied finally, Tseng knitting his eyebrows slightly.
"What is it that bothers you the most Cloud? Are you unsure of yourself, or are you worried about the others?" Tseng asked, as Cloud forced his eyes away.
"What do you mean?" Cloud replied, and Tseng sighed.
"So it's them... Well they don't need to know about it. We can have night time training hours, and you have no need to tell the Fair or the General..." Tseng's eyes flashed a little, seemingly angered by the mention of his competitors.
"What if I don't turn out to be Turk material after all?" Cloud asked, eyes drawn somehow back to Tseng's, as they softened once more.
"What harm will the extra training do for your SOLDIER course, Cloud?" Tseng smiled, shrugging slightly.
Cloud stood, fidgeting slightly, before pacing before the Commander, Tseng following the blonde with his eyes as he walked. He almost had him, he could feel it in the air, in the ebbing conflict on Cloud's face. Tseng had made a promising offer, that much he knew for sure. He ached slightly at the thought of Cloud leaving after his training, but determined he was not to let that happen. Once he had Cloud, he wasn't letting him go without a fight. Considering the General and Fair, he was fairly sure that that would be the case. Somehow however, Cloud seemed more worthy of the cause then any of the others. Tseng had been reluctant to let Zack go, but had seen it as inevitable. Zack had been so comfortable with the other Turks, and even nurtured Reno into the fighter he was today. Tseng had several others who he had fought for, but let go, as he had seen them as SOLDIER material. Cloud however, Cloud was his. Cloud was like a drug to the commander. Everything about Cloud had lured him in. The blonde was such a gentle soul, with such a raw amount of power hidden behind it. He was one of the most skillful fighters Tseng had seen, but beyond that, he was also so easy to talk to. Everything about him breathed innocence, the face of one who had not yet killed in battle. Untainted, pure, beautiful. Tseng had not meant to fall so quickly for someone so young, for someone he had yet to truly know, but it had happened almost without him realising.
"When would training begin?" Cloud asked suddenly, and Tseng faltered, as he realised he was closer now then he ever would be.
"It is negotiable with you Cloud. I would only ever want you to be comfortable with the hours..." Tseng smiled, and the blonde smiled gently in return, a flair being sent through Tseng at the small gesture. Cloud's smiles were not entirely easy to come by, and he had relished in the fact he had been able to create the occassions when the blonde did.
"Well, it's moreso up to your men..." Cloud replied thoughtfully, "You'll have to figure out when they are available to train me afterall..."
Tseng thought this over, and realized with a start that if he had Cloud in training...
"I'll be more then happy to train you myself, Cloud..." Tseng smiled warmly, as the blonde blushed slightly. It was the smallest of gestures, symbolizing the most. Tseng stood, sensing the closing of this meeting, and heading for the door.
"Oh, I wouldn't want you out of your way or anything..." Cloud shrugged a little, as Tseng turned, and caught the blue eyes.
"I am volunteering myself, Cloud..." Tseng said quietly, "Did you want someone else to do it?"
Tseng waited with baited breath, as Cloud's pupil's widened a little, his cheeks blushing a little further, before he turned his eyes away.
"No, I'm quite happy with you..."Cloud shrugged slightly, "Just don't want to disappoint or anything if I don't make the grade..."
Tseng reached out and held Cloud's wrist losely in his hands, brushing a thumb over the blonde's skin.
"Disappoint?" Tseng queried, as Cloud turned wide eyes up to meet him at the body contact, "Never..."
Tseng swallowed hard, literally ripping his eyes away from Cloud's and gently releasing the blonde's hand before he fell any deeper into that moment then he could handle.
"I trust I will see you at the graduation..." He said quietly, turning from Cloud and opening the door, "We'll discuss it further there..."
Those were his final words as he closed the door, and propped himself gently against the doorframe, letting out a long breath, head swimming with the still lingering pleasure of Cloud's company. He remained completely unaware that on the opposite side of the wall, Cloud did the exact same thing.
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Zack stood up on stage awkwardly as more and more personnel filed into the area. He was yet to spot the General or Cloud, but an all too familiar face was watching him curiously from the back row. A hauntingly familiar gaze was sweeping over him as a small smirk crept along all too familiar lips.
...Cocky bastard... Fancy showing up to my promotion... Sephiroth would have a seizure...
As Zack turned to see silver flowing through the crowd, he was aware that he had not been wrong. Sephiroth had indeed seen the Turk in the back row, casually speaking to a co-worker, and had tensed slightly, a flash of green creeping through the already eery Emerald green. Sephiroth had then turned eyes to Zack, who confirmed that he had seen the offender. Sephiroth instead moved to the back of the group, seemingly attempting inconspicuousy.
...Yes Seph, I know you're on to him... Pretty sure he does too...
Zack was then alerted to another presence in the room, as Sephiroth turned eyes to the doorway, where Cloud had entered with a few of his newly graduated comrades. Zack inevitably turned back to Sephiroth, whose eyes were considerably softer on sight of the blonde.
...God damn it Seph, it will only be your own fault if you lose him to some other lucky bastard... And damn lucky they would be...
Zack had always had the belief that if Cloud and himself had not gotten so close so quickly, he would have developed feelings beyond the ones he had for the blonde. He was often more jealous of Cloud then anything else, though. Cloud had drawn all those around him into his porcelian features, and the only one Zack had known to have such a severe effect on the General.
...It wouldn't be so hard to love you...
Zack had seen Cloud as a brotherly figure for so long however, that all he felt for Cloud was the same that he felt towards his own little brother at home. He took a deep breath, approaching the microphone stand, and tapping gently.
"Uh... hi everyone..." He grinned, as several people laughed, and he continued to watch the blonde, "How is everyone today? Good? Good. So, I'm kind of an unofficial MC for this event, even though I'm up with the rest of these snapping young SOLDIERs getting promoted. Thanks for that, boss..."
Zack took his chance and winked at the President in a joking manner. He was either going to die for that, or get a more relaxed crowd. Shinra chuckled slightly however, easing Zack's nerves and drawing another laugh from the group.
"So, we've worked really hard this year, and the past however many years it's been for each individual..." Zack shrugged, before faltering, Cloud taking his seat by the Commander, who was sitting between several other Turks.
...No... Shit Cloud, what are you doing?
He watched Sephiroth, who had now greened up in clear envy and anger directed at Tseng. Zack almost forgot where he was and what he was doing, as he turned his attention back to the crowd in General.
"So... Along that journey, we've had a lot of people there with us..." Zack continued, "Several who are with us tonight, and either hanging their heads in shame or providing us with the false hope required."
The crowd laughed, and Sephiroth even smirked lightly, Zack still tense and anxious however.
"First up, President Shinra himself!" Zack clapped, as the president took the stage, and Zack took his place behind him, watching Cloud, as the Commander leant in and whispered to the blonde at intervals. Something about this tightened Zack's stomach with an inevitable dread.
"He looks very nervous..." Cloud somewhat frowned up at the stage, as Tseng smiled slightly.
"He's got a lot of people to talk to, I don't blame him..." Tseng replied, relief flooding through him that Cloud had chosen to come and sit with him. Another feeling pierced through him however, as he felt the familiar burn of those eyes upon him.
...You'll ignite my clothing if you're not careful Sephiroth... Envy is not becoming of you...
"So... When do you think we'll begin?" Cloud whispered, Tseng leaning a little closer so as not to alert Sephiroth to any information.
"I'm free tonight, if you'd like to begin then..." Tseng smiled as Cloud turned wide eyes to him.
"Tonight?!" He said perhaps a little too loudly, as Zack faltered in his speech, and several people turned to face them. Tseng nodded for Zack to continue, a faint flick of anger through Zack's eyes. After things had returned to the previously calm state, Tseng smiled at Cloud.
"Too soon, Cloud?" Tseng whispered, and Cloud shook his head.
"no, just..." The blonde faltered as Zack turned his eyes in their direction.
...Zack Fair... personal bodyguard and increasing pain in my ass...
"Zack will be having celbratory parties, I presume..." Tseng sighed slightly, and Cloud nodded slowly.
"I wouldn't be able to get away until at least nine, and then..."
"Ten O'Clock is fine, Cloud. Shall I see you then?" Tseng smirked slightly, eyes turning back to Zack.
"Yeah, sure..." Cloud laughed a little, before turning back to Zack's speech also.
...I hope you don't hate me for this, Zack...
Cloud watched the newly promoted Colonel as his pale blue eyes locked back on Cloud's and stayed focused there. Silent messages being passed through. Cloud knew exactly what Zack was thinking, and he needn't say a word.
..."Why do it Cloud? You're heading that way. I can see. You're considering being a Turk. Why?"... Well Zack, I don't really know... and I still don't know if I want to be...
There was a round of applause, as the president approached the stage and began presenting the promotees with their new uniforms and badges. Zack took his graciously, and grinned at the crowd, holding the uniform up and kissing the badge. He certainly knew how to work a group, Cloud gave him that, as the crowd laughed and cheered him on.
...Like a class clown...
It didn't seem like long until the ceremonies were over, and he stood slowly, Tseng right behind him. Zack made a bee-line for the blonde straight away, as Cloud saw Sephiroth approach the Commander.
"Hey Spikey, come with me a minute..." Zack smiled, as Cloud turned to see Tseng smirking at a cold Sephiroth.
"Yes Cloud, best you do..." The General said quietly, Tseng raising an eyebrow.
"The General and I apparently have matters to discuss, Cloud..." Tseng smirked, "See you some other time."
Cloud nodded, letting no other information loose, and left with the enthusiastic Zack. Zack rambled continuously to his quarters, before finishing with the final promise to get Cloud drunk. Cloud shrugged shoulders before entering the after party behind Zack, curious as to the confrontation that threatened between Tseng and the General.
Tseng shoved viciously, pushing Sephiroth off of him as he dusted off his suit. The General had thrown him against the wall in an apparent angry outburst.
"I'd trust you to think of who you're attacking, General..." Tseng hissed, as Sephiroth's eyes flared in anger.
"What game are you playing at here, Tseng?" Sephiroth said dangerously low, "I know the Turks, I know your kind. I don't like the way you play your games..."
"No games Sephiroth. You're somewhat paranoid, I think..." Tseng smirked, before locking eyes square with the flared up General.
...Jealousy...possesive jealousy... Oh, I see now...
"No, not paranoid..." Tseng said quietly, "But If you will excuse me General, I have matters to attend to."
"You've taken the others. You don't need anyone else. This is just a game to you. It's all about having the best fighters..." Sephiroth scowled, and Tseng raised an eyebrow to the General.
"And it's not to you?" He said quietly, "Does Cloud mean something other then a SOLDIER to you General?"
There was a pause, each sizing the other up, both backing down in favour of a civil resolution.
"Dismissed, Commander..."
"Thank you General..." Tseng smiled, exiting the hall.
...Ha! The General has a current obsession...
Tseng mocked the thought, well aware of his subconscious screaming otherwise. All the things Tseng had pursued, he had worked for, and he had worked for hard. Sephiroth had all of his handed to him on a silver platter. He had lost potential Turks by the mere infatuation they had with Sephiroth. Tseng was no fool. He was well aware of the sex factor when it came to Sephiroth. Tseng had seen Sephiroth in their younger years, luring in their comrades with the piercing emerald eyes and already finely sculpted body. Tseng had nearly fallen victim himself, if it had not been for his intelligence. He knew that the way to truly get the General's attention was not to lap at him like the others, but it was to rather defy that motion. He chose instead to befriend Sephiroth through their fighting qualities, and love of power. Sephiroth had indeed been more interested in Tseng then the others, even helping him get to the point he was at today.
The pair got along fairly well, except for these occassions where a candidate would arise and cause an immediate tension between the two. When it all came down to that shared love of power, that was when they came undone. After each battle had been won however, the pair would return to their usual comradery. Tseng should have known Sephiroth was after the blonde. Sephiroth had come out drinking with himself and the president, although Tseng wouldn't exactly say that they had been out drinking. Sephiroth and himself weren't big on it, but the president and his son were somewhat of the binge types. Reno and Rude had certainly not minded tagging along, Reno taking advantage of the large dance area, and Rude taking advantage of happy hour, whilst talking quietly to the busty barmaid. Sephiroth had been speaking in low murmurs to the president, whilst Tseng had absent mindedly stirred his untouched drink.
"So who's this kid I keep hearing about from your lieutenant, this... whatdidyacallim?" The president slurred, as Sephiroth sat somewhat disapprovingly.
"Strife. A freshling, not too experienced, smaller then his peers..." Sephiroth replied flatly, eyeing off a group of teenagers in the next cubicle, who had been gawking at him unashamedly.Their eyes flicked away, as the president let out a snort of laughter.
"Then why the hell is he causing such a fuss, ey?!" The president asked, clapping Sephiroth on his shoulder, "That Strife's a bit of an odd one apparently, ey Sephiroonnyyyy?"
Tseng had smirked slightly, as Sephiroth's eyes had flashed ominously, shadows creeping through them. The name clearly did not impress the General, and yet he chose to ignore it.
"He's quick on his feet. He handles a sword exceptionally well. He's also highly intelligent, if not a little too modest about it," Sephiroth replied quietly, as the president downed another shot.
"Ya, whadeveryawannasay General. I'm sure he's alright then. Bartenderrrr!" He had called, as the brunette came over, firm scowl on her face.
"Yes president?"
"Grab the General something strong. He's got a stick up his ass or something," the president laughed, as Sephiroth sat quietly, refraining upon acting on whatever thoughts had been flooding his head.
Tseng had pulled him away later, patting the General on the back, and squeezing his shoulder.
"He's... testing, I know..." Tseng smiled softly, and Sephiroth remained stony faced.
"I could kill him, Tseng..." Sephiroth scowled, and Tseng laughed.
"Hey, he's giving out the paychecks, right?" Tseg smiled, and Sephiroth sighed. They had been a team of sorts, Sephiroth coming along on several occassions to assist the Turks with their bodyguard duties. Sephiroth had pulled Tseng from some stickier situations, and although Sephiroth had never needed Tseng's position to boost himself up, didn't stop Tseng from enforcing a solid respect for Sephiroth onto his Turks. Most of the time, they stayed out of eachother's way, but both knew what boundaries the other had, and knew how and when to test them.
...That's your game now Sephiroth... I know you are just testing as far as you can...
"Thanks for coming today Cloud. Nice to see your face there..."
"Yeah, no problem..."
"You disappeared before though, what happened?"
"Uh, wasn't feeling well, went to bed..." Cloud replied awkwardly, as the newly promoted Colonel sidled up, alcohol heavy on his breath as he slung an arm around the blonde.
"So, can I get you anything?" the Colonel purred, as Cloud scoped the surrounding SOLDIERs, locking eyes with the intended target.
"Oi!" Zack scowled at his comrade, "Get off him, Ryan..."
The Colonel at Cloud's side swayed a little, as Zack walked over, prying his arm off and pulling Ryan away from Cloud. There were some heated words, before Ryan slinked off, Cloud more then relieved.
"Sorry Spikey, he's just a little too keen on you, I guess..." Zack shrugged apologetically, "How you going otherwise?"
"Yeah, alright..." The blonde shrugged, staring at his cup of amber liquid, as Zack raised a disapproving eyebrow.
"That better not be the same drink from before..." Zack sighed, as Cloud fell silent, making his friend shake his head slowly.
"Did I not say I'd get you drunk?" Zack cried, holding Cloud's cup hand and forcing it to the blonde's lips, "Drink up, Spike!"
Cloud downed the drink as quickly as he could, Zack grinning satisfactorily and patting the blonde's shoulder.
"Much better!" he laughed, "Come on, eat some cocktail food or something. You're too damn skinny."
"What are you, my mum?" Cloud snorted, the heat of the alcohol still burning his throat.
"Would your mum try and get you hammered?" Zack winked, as Cloud shook his head, "Then I guess not! Drink, drink!"
Cloud shrugged, grabbing a can of bourbon and coke from the fridge.
...Heck, why not? I don't even feel it... I'll be sobered up by training anyway...
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Gua! ((Yes, Gua is a noise now. -cough-))
I know that this might not be exactly all that great for you guys, but heck, I haven't posted anything for a little bit, thought you might like something just until I can get the next chapter up for Training because it is taking FOREVER to write. Blame Zack. I do. You'll see why. hehe.
ANYWAY, first chapter up of this, many more to come. O.o