I do not own the characters nor the video game storyline or settings. Though I sometimes fantasize that I do… and there would be more movies … *grin*

I also do not make money from my stories… they are simply Fan Fiction! Enjoy… and please feel free to Read and Review!

{{{{{This is in reply to a Challenge that Myself and Princess Turk had for the week of June 21-27 "Public Bathing" We were supposed to do Seph/Cloud/Zack…. But this 1st part of mine is only Cloud/Seph *hides*… we are revamping the challenge for a 2nd part for each of ours... our ONESHOT challenge ended up being too good! :P }}}}}

YAY!... this is not just a Challenge fic…. It is the new 1st part of a prelude to another story I am going to be writing… part of a new Story ARC I have developed called "Elemental ARC"

"AURUM"

Chapter 1: 'Lacking'

When Cloud had first 'finally' met Sephiroth… and for a long time afterward even… his stomach would do flip flops, just at the thought of the beautiful general. He'd sit in his barracks long after lights out and imagine the man. Fantasize about standing by his side in the battle for Gaia…

They were chaste enough thoughts… in fact Cloud was extremely respectful in everything he did, said, and obviously even imagined in the privacy of his own mind. The fact that the most powerful man to ever live on Gaia since the time of the ancients, took time to get to know and befriend the young cadet had his head virtually spinning. Now… the fact that the innocent blond had a major crush on this silver idol didn't help matters… but still he was chaste… kind… and thoughtful.

Sephiroth had begum training the boy with some magic. Simple things at first really, but since the silver general had invited the ever happy young Zack to join in the efforts to aid the little cloud in training, clouds strength, agility, and sword usage had been benefited as well. Between the two powerful soldiers, Cloud could really begin to hold his own now. Thus, leading to the practice battle that Cloud and Sephiroth had just emerged from.

The two quietly and tiredly walked out of the 1st's training room next to one another, not as enemies but as growing friends. Sephiroth had been quite impressed by the young cadet's progress. The mixture of magic, agility and sword skills that the blond had used proved that he had quite a lot of potential just as the silver haired general had imagined.

The young blond certainly had not beaten the SOLDIER 1st. But he had truly held his own for quite a while. Sephiroth had been so impressed he'd slipped a little with his emotions and asked the young blond to join him for dinner at his place and maybe watch a movie or chocobo racing on tv. Thank the goddess the boy had taken it as harmless friendship. Sephiroth had to extremely careful, he didn't think he could make his affections known… he'd probably scare the boy away from him.

But as they made their way down the hall towards the elevator Cloud suddenly stopped. "Oh no, Gen… er... Sephiroth." He blushed lightly, he still felt uncomfortable calling the general so informally by his first name. But Sephiroth had insisted. "I really need to shower, and change… so can we meet after?" The boy looked up with wide and vibrantly blue eyes.

Sephiroth's heart jumped a little in his chest. He'd wanted and hoped to spend the evening together. And for some reason, parting even for a few minutes wasn't even an option in his mind. "No Cloud, you can shower in our SOLDIER 1st's shower… "Sephiroth placed a hand on the small of the boys back. "I'd say you could use mine, but it would probably make you uncomfortable." He glanced very quickly to take in the boys reaction.

Clouds cheeks had flushed at Sephiroth's suggestion, only getting redder and making his steps slightly falter when the tall SOLDIER paced his hand on the boys back, But when the General's last comment sunk in, Cloud stopped dead in his tracks. A million un-whispered truths about his feelings for the general came to the forefront of his mind.

Cloud shook his head to dislodge the thought. If the general knew of his feelings even though they were greatly suppressed, he'd probably think that Cloud was disgusting. Cloud hadn't ever thought much about his sexuality… but with not ever having a girlfriend, he'd been made fun of greatly in his home town. And there'd been one girl that chased after him with no relenting. He couldn't even begin to return the girls feelings. The confusion of who he was, was one of the reasons he'd joined shinra's army, but another very large reason was standing next to him now staring at the floor. The idol of thousands… right here… beside lil' ole him.

"Um, uh… yeah, I guess. But I don't have a change of clothes. "Cloud hid his face by ducking his head and allowing some of his dreaded locks of unruly hair to cover his eyes. "I… er… sir... That is Sephiroth, maybe I should just head back to barracks?" He suggested then looked up slightly at the silver hair general to try to gauge his reaction.

Sephiroth had been disappointed. Not in Cloud, but in himself for suggesting such a thing now… he'd already scared the boy now. "It's ok Cloud, I would…" He looked back at the floor again. Boy the other 1st's would have a field day if they knew GENERAL SEPHIROTH was at a loss for words. "I… would really enjoy spending the time with you… Cloud" He looked up again, this time with a pleading look in his eyes. "But if that makes you uncomfortable… I don't want to lose your trust…" There. He'd stated it… no going back now.

Clouds eyes widened. He looked like a fawn. He was so pretty then and there with the look of unsuspecting surprise written all over his facial features. He stammered in thought before he verbally stammered. "I... seph… that is... uh… I'd love to spend more time with you…" He bit his lip so hard he thought he'd draw blood, and fumbled with his fingers. They were still standing in the thankfully empty hallway.

Sephiroth released an audible sigh with breath he didn't know he'd been holding. And with the slight gleam in the blue eyes looking at him, with a frame of blush on the face, it gave him some hope. Not like it had ever been like him to hold back. It was no secret that his desires usually were quite insatiable… and he usually went for whatever or whoever he wanted. But this little blond thing had stumbled into his life quite unexpectedly and happily.

With his little signature grin returning to his face he figured he'd push a little more to see his boundaries in this subject. "We'll both take one. And I'll loan you some clothes." He started to turn in the direction of the showers to see if the boy would protest again, or follow along.

Cloud simply blushed even harder and began to follow sephiroth again, taking note that they changed their course. No longer straight towards the elevator, but this time to the right down a dimmer hallway.

Now, today was a free day. Many of the people of the Shinra army were on leave… there had been a break in the many war's and excursions that the army, and SOLDIER had to usually be involved in. So there was little to no one in the building. Most people had homes, family, and friends to visit. Or at least they wanted to hit the town while they had a chance.

Cloud couldn't go all the way back to his home town to visit his mother… too far away… and he didn't have the money anyway. And Sephiroth never left this building unless he had orders really. He was as much a fixture here as Shinra and his son were. So the two of them had the training room to themselves, and most likely the shower room too… to Clouds relief when he realized this.

The thoughts going through his head were not so chaste at this exact moment, and he shook his head willing away the image of the beautiful general standing nude in all his glory with water running down in small rivulets on all of his skin and through the majestic strands of silver hair.

Cloud slapped his palm to his forehead and accidentally released a slightly audible groan. Which of course made himself blush to his very toes. Wait… maybe sephiroth didn't hear him. He glanced up at the normally stoic man and aside from a very focused look on his face he seemed unaffected. Cloud lowered his face to the floor to watch both his, and Sephiroth's boots make their way forward.

Sephiroth had all he could do to keep a clear and passive look on his face. He didn't know what had made it happen, but when Cloud had groaned and out of the corner of his eyes he saw a flush covering the boys features and even on the skin of his chest that could be seen through the sleeveless shirt that he'd worn for their training. Sephiroth had all he could do to keep from pouncing on the boy. He wanted to press him up against the wall and make him groan again… and moan… and maybe even cry out Sephiroth's name. But, he chided himself. There was no way in Ifrit's balls that Cloud Strife would be interested in him. He was probably some proper boy… ready to be married as soon as his time with this blasted war was over.

Sephiroth reached the door to the locker room by the showers and sadness had settled over his face. Why was he even bothering? They'd be wet… and hot… and naked… together… "Oh Gaia" Sephiroth said aloud before he could think to stop himself. His other physical reaction would be obvious as a slap in the face, and along with his muttered words, Strife would be freaked about him in the time it took to get to the showers, let alone into them.

He didn't bother glancing at the boy, only lowered his eyes to the floor masking them with his eyelashes and held the door open for the boy to enter. Had he looked at Cloud as the boy passed him hesitantly he would have seen the boys eyes drift to the obvious bulge in his pants, and the slight flush to the normally straight faced General, And seen his mouth slightly part and his breathing pick up a bit.

Cloud had all he could do, to keep his feet moving him forward. He'd seen… He knew what he'd seen… but why? The general couldn't be having a reaction over him. They'd worked together and trained for some time now. And Cloud had never seen a reaction like this on him before, had he? But… maybe it was due to training so hard, and their play fighting? That had to be all it was. Yeah. Cloud nodded his head while chewing on his bottom lip again. God... maybe he could take a cold shower rather than a warm one?

Sephiroth's face looked slightly disappointed when he informed Cloud where the towels were and led him over to the Silver 1st's Locker was, and he handed poor cloud a large white tee shirt and a pair of shorts that could be cinched up and tied. The taller man didn't say anythinga bout underwear; they both knew that this was good enough considering their size difference.

Sephiroth turned his back to the little blond so that he could dig and find something for himself to wear afterwards. He always kept more than one change of clothes thankfully. But he needed to get this over with. Thinking of cloud in 'his'' clothes… at 'his' apartment eating dinner 'with him' was doing things to him… that he didn't want to happen. Sephiroth reached up with his hand and bit the back of one of his knuckles on his fingers, till it drew blood. The sudden self inflicted pain helped to will away the hardened problem a bit. Even though the special cells in his body refused the small wound before he even turned around to show cloud to the showers.

Sephiroth swiftly undressed, and without looking up at Cloud he headed for the door. "This is where you go through for the showers, cloud. I'm heading in." And he disappeared through the door.

Cloud had his jaw practically on the floor. It was a good thing that Sephiroth hadn't been looking at him. Just the sight that Cloud could glimpse of Sephiroths back muscles and one taut, and smooth rounded backside… Gaia… His legs were muscular and lean… he couldn't see the front of the man thank the goddess. Cloud would have been caught horribly gawking had Sephiroth turned then. Snap out of it Cloud… wake up. Cloud literally slapped the side of his face. He'd better hurry and join him… get this over with. Clouds mind screamed at him to simply run the other direction… but he truly wanted to be around sephiroth… and Gaia… he'd get to see him in all his glory.

Cloud stepped into the steamy room… each tentative step felt like it burned. His nerves were on edge. His body wanted to rebel and let his knees fold when he finally caught a glance at Sephiroth's back.

The shimmering strands of silver rippled damply down cascading almost to his shins, covering most of his back and shoulders. He was leaned forward on one arm with his hand against the wall of the shower room. His eyes were closed and his face was tipped down allowing the spray to trickle down over the side of his face. He looked worn, emotionally if that was even possible.

Cloud didn't even realize as he stood there wrapped in the towel so self consciously. That he was staring… wide open mouthed. He was almost on the cusp of tears at the beauty he be-held. This man was chiseled perfection, creamy ivory flesh over smooth and firm muscles, his silver hair giving him and other-worldly feel. Cloud could hardly breathe. His breaths were shallow and labored.

Sephiroth stood in the flow of water. And lukewarm, rather than the hot shower he normally loved to scald himself with after workouts. His muscles didn't ache… but his chest did. He wanted to just get it over with and say something to cloud. This was the first time he'd felt like this since…. "Genesis…." He mournfully spat the name out. Whether his ex lover was dead or simply still deserted… no one knew for sure. But the ache in his chest felt like it was in battle between mixed emotions.

Cloud snapped out of his gawking stance when he heard a familiar name roll off of the general's tongue. That was the man who was wanted and chased after by Shinra just a little while ago. He was another first and most likely known by Sephiroth himself. Why did Sephiroth sound like he was in pain.

"Sephiroth are you…" Cloud had stepped right up next to the man, But was stopped abruptly as The 1st's eyes widened and his hand reached out to grab Clouds neck in a restraining hold.

Sephiroth's silent mourning thoughts jumbled with the edge of desire had him in his own little world, forgetting Cloud was actually to join him, or perhaps he truly thought the cadet would run? Either way when a voice that came up suddenly beside him called his name he immediately reacted defensively. He flung his hand out to latch onto the person's throat. His surprise didn't last long when he realized it was the soft and sweet Cloud, no one else. Not the person who had betrayed him. Thankfully his hand had merely been to brace, or hold back the person, or Strife's larynx would have been broken, or he could have been dead.

Cloud wasn't afraid, he'd been startled, but he knew the Silver idol of thousands had control over himself, completely. And even if he hadn't, what better way to die. His will was completely released as he gently placed a hand on the man's arm and looked him directly in the eye with a trusting look.

"I'm sorry Cloud…" Sephiroth's low voice soothed and he relaxed his arm, but didn't take it away from the boy's throat. He took a step forward away from the lukewarm water. "My mind was somewhere else for a bit." He looked directly into the beautiful clear blue eyes with his own jade-like ones.

"You called out for… Genesis?... are you.. er… were you friends." Cloud carefully made the wourds, lacing them with as much understanding as possible. If they had been friends… then Sephiroth had just recently lost him. The man had either been killed by Shinra's armies, the SOLDIERS or by his disease… or degradation. Also cloud didn't let up his hand that was touching the General's arm, so long as the Tall and beautiful man would touch him even if it was not meant as anything, he would enjoy it.

"Hmm" Sephiroth Smirked. Here was his chance, now or never. He realized his hand was still on the boys tempting throat. He loosened his fingers and pulled them forward to brush the fingertips on the front of Cloud's throat. And it didn't miss his view that the boy stretched as if urging him to touch more and the feel of clouds young hand on his arm felt soothing and like a fire all at once.

Sephiroth leaned down so that he was only about 6 inches from Clouds face. The boy's face was already lighting up with a slight blush about it. Maybe this would be ok… "Cloud… My little pale kitten… Genesis was my lover…" He purred the words and even as he said them his sex stirred to life at the thought of making this suggestion of his sexuality to the boy he was now quite fond of.

He allowed his fingers to trail up to the underside of Clouds chin and the boy's eyes, which had widened again now closed in a sultry slow rate, and his mouth gently parted.

Cloud completely forgot about holding the towel with his left hand and allowed it too, to gently and almost possessively grasp Sephiroth's arm. The moment Sephiroth had said the words and still touched him… it was like a key unlocking a deep dark secret. It burst forth and as the stronger man's fingers splayed up his throat and chin to trace the bottom of his lower lip. Cloud looked straight into Sepheroth's eyes, and let out a sigh that turned almost into a moan.

That little sound was the complete undoing of him. Sephiroth let out a slight predatory growl and slipped the hand that had been below Clouds bottom lip to the back of his head and pulled him towards him. Sephiroth watched as Clouds eyes closed again and his body arched towards him. Had he read the boy wrong or what…

Cloud's body arched voluntarily, into the touch of the chiseled perfection in front of him. All thoughts about hesitation… or chasteness… disappeared. All he knew… was here and now. The moment that Sephiroth's lips touched his, Cloud's body shivered in lust. He'd NEVER felt like this, EVER in his short yet stress ridden life.

Sephiroth's lips were full and chiseled just like the rest of him. He laid claim in this kiss, taking, devouring and staking out this new territory. Cloud knew that he could feel him quivering against him. The kiss was wholly encompassing. Nothing else exhisted. Every ounce of hesitation flew out the window.

Before Cloud realized it, Sephiroth had his pushed up against the wall of the shower where the water cascaded down his side. He hadn't even taken note of his own nude state being flush against the Taller man's. Until he felt a sudden sweet pressure and friction, as Sephiroth ground their pelvis's together. Cloud couldn't bite back the whimper that escaped around their entwined tongues.

Sephiroth felt a fire that he couldn't put out… a thirst he couldn't quench. This was as if he was kissing and being kissed in return for the first time ever. A groan rattled out of his throat shortly after Cloud had involuntarily whimpered. He parted slightly, their noses still touching and their breath hot on each other swollen lips.

"Cloud… forgive me… I know this is abrupt, but please" He looked down into Clouds glassed over eyes, framed by the golden hue of his hair. "Let me have you…" He almost groaned again at allowing himself to give Cloud an out. But he didn't want to force the young man.

Clouds breath hitched in his throat. Never in his wildest dreams did he think… Comeon, the MAN of his dreams… spending time ALONE with him… asked to DINNER… getting to shower with him… KISSING… and now…

Clouds voice was barely a whisper. "For you… yes…" And he dropped his eyes to the side. He couldn't look Sephiroth in the face. His own face burning up, his breath coming in and out in pants, his chest heaving.

Sephiroth took Clouds chin and lifted his face to look at him again. "Only if you want to…" And when he received an affirmative nod he leaned down to lay claim to that mouth again. This time no less steamy and fiery… but slower and more calculating.

Sephiroth rubbed his very hot and throbbing erection against clouds abdomen and then leaned down to press their pelvis's together grinding and rubbing to coax out another whimper from the beautiful golden boy. He succeeded. Only this time, Cloud got right into it and began to undulate his hips up against Sephiroth to try to gain even more friction.

"Let's take care of our problems…" The silver General stated as casually as possible in such a situation. He leaned his face down and began to nibble his way down Clouds neck, gaining an actual moan from him.

Cloud tipped and stretched his neck to accommodate where Sephiroths kisses and nips led him to. But as the Taller man hit Clouds collar bone Cloud moaned and cried out almost at the same time. Sephiroth bit down semi painfully and then sucked hard on the slightly abused bit of flesh… Cloud squirmed hard in his arms and threw his head back with that.

He wanted to make Cloud feel so good, that any slight discomfort would be soon forgotten. Sephiroth turned them so that their shoulders were touching the wall as they leaned to the side yet faced each other. Sephiroth then lifted at one of Clouds thighs to trail his hand over the smooth flesh of his leg trailing his fingers up to feel the firm and young, yet supple, backside that beckoned him to claim also as his own.

Sephiroth used the water to help his way with two fingers inside the young man who gasped and writhed in his arms now. He leaned down to bite again near the last place he had done so on Clouds collar bone. Slower and more deliberate though and Clouds gasps turned into moans as he combined the pleasure of his lips with the pleasure of touch Cloud in a place that would soon make him do more than moan or quiver.

He added another finger just to be kind, though his patience was wearing. He stretched and soothed his way hoping that he could hear Clouds voice crying out in pleasure very soon. He reached his face up again to reclaim Clouds lips. And very slowly he withdrew his fingers massaging the area around his newly stretched opening to still allow contact. Shifting so the Cloud's back was facing the shower wall again, he picked cloud up with one arm and Cloud instantly wrapped his legs around Sephiroth's waist as if it were second nature.

Sephiroth growled in his throat a deep and primal call. "I am going to make you mine…." He almost hissed into Clouds ear and used one hand to reach behind Cloud to position his throbbing manhood against Clouds entrance.

Cloud gasped… this was really happening. What if he wasn't good enough … what if… His thoughts were silenced inside as Sephiroth plunged a little ways inside of Cloud eliciting a startled cry from them both; one out of shock at the foreign intrusion and one out of shock at the velvety hot embrace. Sephiroth soothed Cloud with hushes and Kisses and lowered the boy the rest of the way onto the straining and pulsing shaft.

They both gasped a little while Cloud adjusted to the tremendous stretch to accommodate Sephiroths massive erection. And Sephiroth gasped to control his urge to Fuck this waiting and willing boy through the wall. But no, it meant so much more than that. He just hoped his mind could remain clear with the almost-overdose of enjoyment, warmth, and friction he felt, being inside Cloud for the first time.

Cloud whimpered again as the ever clear need that he too sported throbbed between their stomachs. "Please… Sephir…" He couldn't say much else as Sephiroth began to glide in fast and firm strokes in and out of his tight backside. Cloud's breath caught and wouldn't let go… till he thought for sure he'd pass out. Then Sephiroth shifted him slightly so that he was hitting a different angle inside of Cloud causeing his held breath to explode in a strangled cry.

Sephiroth knew the minute that he heard Clouds cry that neither of them would last long. So he reached between then and began to stoke Clouds own erecting to mimic the movements that he himself was taking deep inside and out and back again in Cloud. He propped Clouds back against the Tiled wall again. And shifted again to slam into the younger one more forcefully and each time with a loud slap of flesh.

Sephiroth began to pant right along with Cloud as Cloud's insides smoothed tightly over his erection each time to make his body want to scream with release already.

"Cloud… I feel you pulsing with need." He soothed to cloud's ear. He stoked Cloud harder and hit his prostate head on and hard. "Why don't you allow your body to release all that fiery feeling…. Come for me…." He growled at the end and almost instantaneously felt Clouds whole body convulse in his arms.

Cloud almost choked on his sudden cry… his body shook and shuddered as he released hard across Sephiroth's chest and neck. Every muscle inside and out was quivering all at once. The heat flooded through his very soul.

Sephiroth felt Cloud release and every twitch of his mucles…. But as the boy's internal muscles bared down all at once in that final convulsion… it was the last he could take. He groaned loudly into his own release and claimed Clouds lips again forcefully… And slammed into his body a few more times before stilling.

He carefully kissed him again and pulled his lips away… "Mine…" He whispered…

They were startled out of their glass-like world of intense post sex haze by slow and deliberate clapping.

"Well done… " A slight whistle. "Damn. You guys were Fuckin HOT!... mind if I join in" A very turned on and definitely nude Zackary Fair walked over beside the two. "Well?" He asked the two completely frozen men.

…..

…

…..

"Thou hast found their treasure in Aurum… well done…" A 4th unseen presence whispered to no one but Gaia itself.

A/N: ok…. Watch for Chapter 2! There is more to come!