A/N - Hey all! Well, this was originally going to be a oneshot, but I had to break it into two chapters as it was too long. This story has a dark theme and I'm not completely satisfied with it as I was going through a bit of writers' block half way through, so the second chapter will be posted as soon as I'm done editting it. Maybe a day or two. This does NOT follow from my previous story; it is a stand-alone, and I hope you like it.

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Zack nonchalantly stared at the concrete wall on the other side of the dark, cold cell Cloud and he shared. He was alone again and the textured grooves in the concrete served as a distraction from absolutely nothing. That's exactly what he needed right now. He was tired of the nothingness that seemed to be the narrative of their lives. Absolutely nothing.

They would wait before sleep. After sleep sometimes food would appeared in their cell. They would eat that then wait again. One of them would be dragged off for experiments while the other waited for their return. After a few minutes, hours, days – who knew, of comforting one another and waiting after their return the other would be pulled away. Then it would be the other's turn to wait.

They used to be pulled out together, him and Cloud. They would get tests done on them side by side. Minor experiments would be preformed before one another until the experiments grew more intense, causing the other specimen to completely freak out. They tried to fight for one another, protect the other, causing Professor Hojo to conclude that they would be more manageable if separated during experiments.

Zack idly traced a fading scar on his left bicep as he stared at the wall, eyes not moving from one particular groove that was shaped like a 'C'. 'C' is for Cloud… he thought to himself. He noticed this groove the first time Cloud and him had been separated and somehow found great comfort in losing himself in his mind as he stared at the 'C'. 'C' is for Cloud. Everything was so quiet.

Zack traced the 'C' in the concrete wall with his eyes again. He did this a countless amount of times. The pain in his stomach was easing from the day, week, whatever before. The Professor wanted to know how quick their bodies could recover from a countless number of injuries once they were infused with Mako.

He didn't know how long they've been stuck in that damn cell. The 'C' in the wall mocked their existence, perfectly content with where it sat while they desperately wanted out. After the first little while, once realizing they were not going to be let go, Zack spent most of his time plotting an escape rather than waiting. Cloud was a little less optimistic, perhaps scared of what they would do to him if they were to fail. Zack's heart warmed thinking of how innocent the blonde was compared to himself. The boy had never killed before Sephiroth. Even then, he was about to be killed himself, so he wasn't fully aware of what was going on. Him, on the other hand, he had killed for a living. SOLDIER operatives earned their paycheque by enforcing Shinra policy and killing whoever protested. It never bothered him since he thought he was doing the right thing. It never occurred to him that Shinra was, in fact, not God. And I used to be such a nice guy…

After a major escape attempt failure, Zack stopped planning. Cloud barely came out of their punishment alive. After that Zack could see in his eyes that Cloud wasn't willing to try again, and there was no way in Gaia he was leaving without his friend. So they waited. Their meaning and existence now was at the mercy of a psychopathic scientist. What were they to become after he was done with them?

Zack continued to glare at the wall. He hated it. It stared right back at him without a flinch, as if daring him to make a move. He had been down in that cell too long; he thought for sure he was beginning to lose his mind. He managed to barely hold it together for Cloud's sake. The wall looked back smugly wanting him to think that. Everything would get better once Cloud came back.

That's when his thoughts were interrupted by screams of excruciating pain. Zack's eyes flung up at the door to their cell as he pulled himself up off the floor. He rushed to the door and banged on it a few times. Cloud's screams continued, only stopping when they were choked back with a sob or cry followed by more screaming. "Cloud!" Zack screamed through the door. He knew it was useless. He figured that out months or years ago. Still, he couldn't stop himself. The boy's screams and cries shattered his heart every time. "Cloud!"

A familiar anger grew in his chest. He let out a shout as he punched the cell door. Pain shot up his hand and wrist causing him to become angrier. "Stop! Bring him back!" he shouted through the door, again, knowing how useless it was as anyone who could hear him were probably smirking at his display. Cloud's screams were becoming more of a cry as he began crying out Zack's name. "Clou-" Zack's voice broke as a feeling of overwhelming helplessness overcame him. He fell to the floor as Cloud continued to scream out his name. His breath caught in his throat as he listened to Cloud's agony. He punched the door one more time before a sob escaped his lips. His wrist throbbed, but the Mako would take care of that soon enough. His heart, on the other hand, would not be healed by this substance.

His heart continued to break into smaller pieces. Moisture began to soak through his pants before he even realized that he was crying. "C-Cloud…" he barely managed to speak lowly between sobs. He cried harder every time they took Cloud from him. His breath hitched as he cried silently to himself.

Then there was silence. Zack held his breath listening for any sound that would tell him of Cloud's condition. He heard no other voices or commotion, meaning that Cloud was still alive. He must have just tapped out from the pain. Zack let his breath out in a shaky sigh. He continued to listen. He should be getting his friend back shortly and he needed to pull himself back together. Zack was all the other boy had left in his life and he needed to appear strong for him. He wiped his tears away with the back of his hand and crawled over to his previous spot on the floor across from the 'C' in the wall. He collapsed against the wall and sniffled trying to even his breathing back to a normal pace. He would only allow himself to break down when he was alone. He took a couple of deep breaths and slowly let them leave his lungs. When he could do this without shaking, he wiped his eyes one last time before he heard footsteps coming towards their cell.

Not even a moment later the door swung open and Cloud was deposited on the concrete floor before the door slammed shut again, clicking as it was locked. Zack rushed over to the blonde and pulled him into his arms. Cloud's face was tear-streaked and his unconscious body was practically boneless. Zack dragged him into a sitting position leaning him against his broad chest and wrapped his arms around him defensively. He felt so vulnerable that he couldn't protect his friend. After being in SOLDIER, this was the worst feeling – helplessness.

Zack buried his nose into the blonde hair and inhaled. He listened to the boy's breathing and sighed sadly. "I've got you, Spike. It's all okay now." he whispered softly hoping that Cloud could hear him. He gently rocked his friend back and forth as he rubbed his back trying to sooth him awake. "It's over for now…"

Zack sighed to mask a sob as the boy didn't move. Cloud reacted very strongly to the Mako treatments which either meant he was highly responsive to its enhancing capabilities or susceptible to Mako poisoning. The Professor decided not to act on the side of caution. It made Zack so mad to know that there was nothing he could do to help his friend. He couldn't protect him or take his place. That train of thought led to another friend of his he could not help. Sephiroth.

After his mentor's death, Sephiroth took him under his wing. They became fast friends and relied on one another for different reasons. Zack could befriend anyone in the world, but Sephiroth was different. Zack looked up to him and he held a certain fondness for the General as they had shared a mutual friend who was dear to them both. Their grief from his death fused together with the other's to form a strong friendship. Sephiroth wasn't prone to making friends because of his status. Everyone was either scared of him or intimidated. Zack was neither. Zack was the breath of fresh air he needed in a friend; a true friend who saw him, Sephiroth and not the Great General Sephiroth.

Sadness washed over Zack. He held onto Cloud tighter as he recalled noticing a difference in Sephiroth when in Nibelheim. He tried to be his friend although the mission took priority. He felt that if he were a better friend to Sephiroth then maybe this whole catastrophe could have been avoided and Cloud wouldn't be sitting in his arms unconscious from pain. He placed a kiss on the top of Cloud's head. His sadness was replaced with remorse as his eyes made their way back to the 'C' in the concrete.

He continued to rock Cloud, becoming more and more unsure as to whether he was doing it to sooth Cloud or himself. 'C' is for concrete, chains, cell, cry, cut, cold, cruelty, captive… Zack shook his head and cuddled closer to the blonde in his arms. 'C' is for Cloud. He lost himself in his thoughts again.

When he was buried in his mind he lost all conception of time. Really, when down in a dark cell for Gods knows how long, time was the least of their worries. He had no idea of how long he'd been holding Cloud before he felt the blonde stir weakly in his arms then shudder. Zack tore his gaze from the wall and looked down at the blonde's head. Cloud attempted to move but gasped and collapsed back into Zack's arms.

"Hey there, Spiky." Zack said gently, moving the boy from is chest so he could look down in his face. Cloud looked back up into Zack's eyes. It didn't look as though he knew exactly where he was. This wasn't uncommon, though. "You're back with me now, Cloud." Cloud's eyes flicked around the cell momentarily before locking back onto Zack's eyes. He seemed to be coming around, much to Zack's relief.

"What happened to me?" Cloud asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Zack sighed. "They took you again for some tests." Zack ran his hand through the blonde's hair to rid his face of the blonde locks. Cloud looked down at his body and nodded. "Does it still hurt?" Zack couldn't help but ask.

"No." came Cloud's response as he tugged at his shirt. "I'm so tired."

Zack nodded and pulled the blonde back down against his strong chest. "Then sleep. I've got you for now." He tried his hardest to sound positive but choosing his words carefully as to not spread false hope.

Cloud settled against Zack's chest but shook his head. "I don't want to sleep." He began fiddling with Zack's shirt rather than his own as he listened to the older boy's heart beat. It was something he took great comfort in.

Zack placed a kiss on top of Cloud's head again and nodded. "Then wait with me." Minor displays of affection became more and more acceptable between the two boys since their captive. Beforehand they worked well as a team and considered each other their best friend. A fondness grew between the two of them as Zack started taking Cloud under his wing. Eventually Zack developed more feelings towards his friend but would not allow himself to admit to them, let alone act on them. He was not willing to risk their friendship aside from the fact it was against company policy to be intimate with your subordinates. It was a well hidden secret he kept, but since their life as specimens he couldn't help but indulge in being close to Cloud. Cloud didn't seem to mind and eventually leaned into the small kisses Zack gave him.

"I don't remember what they did to me…" Cloud's voice brought Zack back from his thoughts.

"That's okay, Cloud. It's not something we care to remember, is it?" Zack responded. Cloud shook his head. "Besides, it gives us less to think about." He wasn't sure himself if that was meant to reassure Cloud or not.

"We're going to die in here." Cloud's voice was still soft. His fingers were still busying themselves in Zack's shirt.

Zack sighed. "Cloud, we're not going to die in here."

"Then we're coming out as monsters." Cloud said before Zack could continue.

"No we're not!" Zack pushed Cloud up gently by the shoulders and looked into his eyes. "I won't let them."

Cloud's focus remained on Zack's shirt. "It's not something you can control."

"Cloud," Zack tilted Cloud's chin up gently and locked eyes with him. "I promise you I will get you out. We will leave before they turn us into monsters. I promise you this, Cloud."

Cloud's blank stare looked through Zack and he let his eyes drop back down to Zack's shirt and nodded. Zack knew he didn't nod because he believed him. Cloud just was too tired to discuss this any further. That, in itself, broke his heart as well. Cloud sighed and leaned into Zack's chest again to listen to his heart. Zack wrapped his arms protectively around him again and rocked him gently. "When we get out of here, Cloud, we'll start our own business." Cloud listened to Zack's words while focusing on a seam in Zack's shirt. "We'll do anything that's needed of us. We'll be mercenaries. You and me."

Cloud began to feel overwhelmed and sighed shakily to fend off oncoming tears. "Where will we live?"

Zack smiled and squeezed the blonde tighter. "Wherever you want, Cloud. Whatever will make you the happiest." He buried his nose in the blonde spikes. "We'll go to Midgar first until we get on our feet. Then the world is ours, Cloud. I'll make sure you never live a day with need again."

Cloud bit his lower lip and held his breath. He couldn't stop the tears from falling. He only hoped that Zack wouldn't notice. Intimate emotion swelled up in his heart as Zack continued playing out what their life would be like once they got free. He didn't believe a word of it, though; it all sounded too good to be true, but just listening to Zack talk comforted him. It was better than waiting in silence.

After awhile footsteps could be heard approaching the cell. Zack's arms tightened around Cloud and the blonde pulled closer to Zack. Cloud could hear Zack's heartbeat speed up. The door swung open and two guards stepped in. "Lets go." they said monotonously as they motioned for Zack to get up. Zack placed a kiss on top of Cloud's head as he started to get up. Cloud sobbed and clenched at Zack's shirt.

"N-No, Zack, don't leave me. Please…"

Zack fought hard to stop from crying. "Shh, Cloud. I'll be okay. I'll be back." Zack tried to appear strong so Cloud wouldn't worry as much. No matter how scared he was or how much pain he felt, he had to be strong to protect Cloud. "I promise you'll be safe here while I'm gone. I'll be back in a bit."

"No!" Cloud screamed and clung onto Zack's neck, pulling himself up with Zack in a tight hug. "Don't leave me, Zack. I need you here!"

Zack quickly wiped a tear from his eye before the blonde could see it and held him tight. "I have to go, baby. I wouldn't go if I didn't have to."

The two guards sighed and pulled out their nightsticks. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Get moving!"

Zack nodded at them and attempted to pull Cloud off of him. "I'll be back." He tried to smile but Cloud wasn't paying attention. He knew what the guards would do if Cloud wouldn't let him go and he refused to let them hurt Cloud. The only other alternative would break his heart, but spare the blonde more pain. He reached around and took Cloud's wrists in his own and pried them from his neck.

"No! NO! Zack, don't!"

He didn't know what else to say. "I'll be back, I promise." Tears were freely falling from both of their eyes and Cloud collapsed to the floor screaming for Zack not to go. Zack moved away from the blonde and followed the guards out before he completely broke down in front of Cloud. He heard Cloud slam against the cell door crying out for him. Zack sobbed and tried to stop his tears, but his heart was shattering, if at all possible, more than it previously was.

The guards led Zack down a sterile hallway which brought them to an all too familiar room where the Professor and a few assistants waited for him.

"On examination table four, if you'd be so kind." the Professor said, scribbling something down in his file.

The assistants took Zack by the arm and brought him to a silver slab. The one to his right instructed him to strip down to his boxers. He complied since he knew what they'd do to him if he refused. He needed to get this over with as soon as possible so he could be back with Cloud.

Once down to his boxers the assistants strapped him onto the metal slab. On his back, Zack stared straight up at the ceiling and waited.

The Professor walked over to Zack and looked down into his face. Zack didn't move his stare from the ceiling. "How are you feeling today?" He never addressed them by name.

Zack refused to answer.

"I'll assume you're doing alright, then." the Professor continued. "Today we'll begin major wound recovery." Zack's breath hitched and his heart raced. "The subject will experience common major injuries." He looked back at his assistants proudly. "Watch what the miracle named Mako can do."

The Professor looked back at his specimen and smirked. An assistant stood beside him and waited for his order. The Professor nodded. Before Zack knew it, a sharp burning pain shot through his hand. He clenched his teeth together to stop himself from crying out. The assistant withdrew the blade from his flesh and bone and stepped back. Hojo looked down at the wound and started scribbling some notes in his file.

Zack fought back tears as the pain throbbed in his hand. He wouldn't let himself react save for the heavy breathing. The throbbing began to tingle and ease up.

"Remarkable…" the Professor breathed. Zack let out a shaky breath and focused on the ceiling. "Note how the Mako in the specimen's body locates the injury and mends the wound almost instantly." The Professor looked back at the assistants. "If my hypothesis is right, as long as the heart remains in tact, it will be able to relocate Mako wherever needed." He looked back down at Zack. "And now for test number two."

Zack sighed and bit his lower lip. He just needed to remain quiet so Cloud wouldn't hear him. No matter how bad it got, he wouldn't let Cloud hear him scream. His breath hitched as he felt his ankle lift off the table and was rested on a short metal stirrup. He closed his eyes, having a pretty good idea of what the Professor had in mind next.

"Bone recovery." the Professor announced to his assistants, confirming what Zack was thinking. "Stay still, it will only hurt of a minute or two."

Zack squeezed his eyes shut and waited for the abuse. He focused all of his energy in making sure he remained silent. Cloud didn't need to hear his agony. That's when true pain hit him. At first he felt extreme pressure followed by a loud crack before he felt his knee bend the opposite way than it was supposed to. He grunted loudly then bit his tongue in hopes of swallowing the scream attempting to break out of his throat. Tears made their way down his temples and he let out a shaky breath. Overcome the pain, Zack. It's only physical. You can take this… He felt his knee pop back into place as the pain began to subside, even though it was still excruciating.

"Interesting…" the Professor declared, looking down into Zack's face. "You're so much quieter than your little blonde friend."

Zack opened his eyes to look into the face of a mad man. He took a couple of more deep breaths and closed his eyes again.

"Does it not hurt enough for you?" the Professor asked with an evil grin. "Or are you just trying to play strong?"

Zack didn't respond.

"Very well." The Professor began a speech to his assistants as Zack felt hands inspecting his knee. He seemed to talk endlessly about his miracle substance and what it would do to normal people. He spoke of things Zack didn't really understand, but at this point didn't really care. He just wanted to make it back to Cloud.

After what seemed like an eternity, the Professor turned his attention back to him. "Now, my boy, lets see how your body responds to this." The Professor, without warning, brought a large knife down into his stomach. All of the assistants flinched with the sudden attack and some looked as though they were about to be sick. Zack almost let his scream escape, but fought against it with all his will. To your safety place, Zack. Go to your… Intense pain grew exponentially as the Professor twisted the blade in his stomach. "Scream for me, specimen!" He could feel his flesh and organs tare against the blade. He recalled his torture resistance class. Safety place…

Zack looked around him. He was no longer strapped to the metal slab. He was standing in a cave of some sort. The walls looked cold and he vaguely could feel wind against his back. He turned around to see light. He took one last look around before heading towards to opening of the cave.

Once outside he saw a vast, open field covered in tall green grass and daisies blanketed by a warm sheet of sunlight. He smiled as he made his way through the field. In the distance he heard chocobos playfully frolicking ahead. He made his way towards the sound and saw yellow birds dancing around. There must have been fifty of them.

"Hi there." he called to the birds, who looked up at him before going back to their playful games.

"Hi yourself." a voice said from close by. He looked around then down before noticing Cloud sitting by a baby chocobo.

"Hey Chocobo-head!" His heart leapt in this chest. "What are you doing here?"

Cloud smiled and looked down at the baby chocobo he was sitting next to. He patted its head and sighed. "Keeping you company."

Zack grinned and took a seat next to Cloud. "What's this little guy's name?" he asked, stroking the chocobo who leaned in against his touch.

"'C' is for chocobo." Cloud said, smiling and looking up at Zack.

Zack's heart stopped. "W-What? What did you say?"

Cloud smiled and leaned over to Zack, lips barely brushing against his ear. "'C' is for chocobo." he whispered, sending shivered down Zack's spine.

Zack felt himself move. The sunlight began to cloud and the chocobos pranced off into the distance. Cloud looked over to Zack and frowned. The feeling of being moved intensified. "Cloud?"

Cloud nodded and bit his lower lip.

"C-Cloud?" Zack tried again.

-o-o-o-

I'm not sure what I think of my own work, but I would looove to hear your thoughts. Please review? *hugs*