AN: I wrote this little while back, decided to drag it out from the depths of THE NOTEBOOK and post it. I might actually post a few more now that I'm giving it some thought.
Inspired by a little Comic Strip that has all the dissidia characters on Valentine's day (as students), and Cloud drowning in a mountain of chocolate.
.Line break .Cloud Strife's POV {
Chapter One: Transition;
}
"Now, Cloud, you better not act like a lazy bum while you're there; get a nice date or two and keep up with your homework." His mother was quick to caution over the phone, "you better not spend all afternoon on that damn computer either, you need to unpack."
At the mention of unpacking, Cloud scowled down at his three meager cardboard boxes, then glanced around the small dorm. "Uh... I think I'll be fine if I spend a few hours..."
"I'm serious Cloud Skylar Strife, you better not spend all school year on that computer." He winced at the use of his full name. "Now, use more condoms than you do that damn motorcycle and if someone else is launching their rocket, there should be lubricant in one of the boxes."
"Ma!" He whined, ignoring theheat rushing to his cheeks, already cutting the tape off of the box that held his computer. "Don't say things like that!"
"If I don't my baby won't be able to walk without a limp- I've seen your magazines, hun, your type of men scare me. Besides you're the bitch in any relationship."
"Ma... That's not true. I'd alternate." He tried, but his voice cracked and his face was burning by now as he pulled away the box of condoms his mother had duck taped to his computer screen.
"Whatever you say hun," she laughed, and Cloud could picture her shaking her head at him, "say hi to Rufus and Lazard for me; and don't let Rufus act too much like an ass, okay?"
"You got it, hot momma- you better not be a lazy bum either! I'll sign you up for dating sites again if you do!" He half heartily threatened with a small, lopsided smile.
"You got it hun, your class one MILF'll work her magic." Cloud could tell his mother just winked, despite talking through a phone.
"Ew ma, it was bad enough when Tifa said it." He teased, getting ready to lift the old dinosaur onto the provided desk. "I'll call you later, don't do it on the couch while I'm gone." He chuckled, waiting for his mother's farewell before he hung up.
There wasn't a lot to unpack; just his computer, with all its software and astounding ability to crash every five minuets, his guitars (and gods, he had spent unbearable hours working in the only store in Nibelheim dealing with shitty customers just to get them) and some clothes.
He noted he'd have to do some shopping, and reminded himself maybe it wasn't a good idea to dress like a Wutain bondage convention, but then decided he really didn't give a shit.
"Yo," a red head flashed him a lopsided grin, red tattoos under his eyes rising with the grin as he dumped his bags on the bed on the other side of the small room. "Thank god, I thought you'd be one of them rich brats I can't stand." He drawled in a tick Midgar accent.
"Nope, just a redneck country bumkin on scholarship." He replied, watching the other flop down onto the bare mattress. He shoved the rest of his clothes away into his small dresser, feeling the teen's vibrant blue eyes on his back.
"Cool. Slum rat on parole." Cloud could see his proud smile once he turned back around, giving Cloud another shrewd glance before he haphazardly began pulling his belongings out of his bag.
"Cool." Cloud replied, not knowing what else to say as the red head who began lazily putting away his clothes. "My name is Cloud."
That earned him a glance, but the red head nonchalantly replied; "Reno."
Cloud sat himself down at his computer, his fingers drumming on the keyboard being the only noise as he typed in the code, biting his lip in concentration as he did so. Orientation would be around seven, so that left Cloud a few hours to work before he had to... He shuddered at the thought... Socialize.
"I'm 'a be straight with you; " Reno started, easily drawing Cloud's attention, "don't touch my stuff, and text me or some shit if you're gonna bring someone back, cause I don't want to hear, smell or see that shit; got it?" He tapped his index finger against his forehead, and Cloud found those rules to be pretty reasonable.
"Sure, I don't talk to people much anyways." He shrugged, "much less bring them back here." Despite his mother's encouragement, Cloud felt a bit more tempted to do homework than go on a date with someone, plus, the internet cafe he was going to work at would take up some of his time too, so again, not feeling too obligated to date.
"Good." Reno prused his lips, seemingly thoughtful before he shrugged his shoulders and gave a broad grin. "Alright, I like you Blondie, so ya wanna go look around?"
Cloud glanced at the clock. "Orientation starts in an hour."
"Less eyes on us then." Reno's grin grew wider, much to Cloud's disbelief.
He nodded, smoothing out his jacket. "I guess a look around couldn't hurt."
"There ya go!" Reno smirked, holding open their door with a mock bow. "We're going to be the best of buds, Blondie." And by that, Cloud was pretty sure Reno meant they'd get in trouble together.
A lot.
The school was huge- and even with his eidetic memory, Cloud knew he was going to get lost no matter what; though Reno's company made it more enjoyable, since he had a dry sense of humor similar to Cloud's own, Cloud decided Reno was worth the trouble.
"I swear to the gods if you even think about touching that fire alarm I'll break your arm off." The blonde grumbled, sending Reno a glare when he sent a contemplating glance to said alarm, innocently attached to the wall.
"Nah, I'll save it for another day." He winked, settling Cloud's nerves.
"Aren't you two supposed to be in the assembly hall?" Cloud jumped a little at hearing the the voice, but Reno barely flinched, spinning on his heel to face the owner of the voice.
"Nah, boss, we we're just taking a look-see around." Reno replied, giving his most innocent smile, Cloud quickly falling in suit, batting his eyelashes a little at the Wutain who regarded them with indifference. 'Boss' was a tall with dark brown eyes and a frown that put mayor Lockhart's to shame.
"Reno," the man raised a hand to his forehead, where Cloud took notice of the tilak in the center of it. "Don't call me 'boss'. And don't bring others into your schemes."
"Me?" Reno feigned offense, clapping a hand over his chest. "Scheme? Dear Tseng, you insult me! Me and Cloudy here were just taking a look around- this school is awfully big, ya know?"
"He was; I asked him because this place is so big, I'd get lost right away." Cloud added sweetly, knowing the man didn't quite buy it.
"Yeah, let's go Cloudy, I'm pretty sure the cafeteria is this way. Later boss." Reno waved, draping an arm over Cloud's shoulder and leading him away.
"Bye." And just because he could; "boss."
Once they escaped to the courtyard, Reno doubled over with mad laughter, earning him a few startled glances. "Ah! That was damn perfect; marry me spike! That was priceless!" He howled, wiping a tear from his eye. "Oh god; did ya see the look on his face when you said that!? Priceless!"
"Should I be concerned?" Cloud cast a glance to the bald teen who frowned down at Reno from behind a pair of sunglasses, green eyes peeking out from the black rim questioningly. Strangely enough, he had the same white dress shirt, black tie, and trousers as the man Reno called Tseng, except this one wore fingerless gloves.
"Hey-ya, Rude." Reno quickly calmed himself, giving a small wave to the larger. "This is Cloud; don't let his looks fool ya; this little country bumkin has some sass."
Cloud didn't know weather to feel complimented, or offended, so he just settled for silence; and apparently so did Rude, because the taller silently stared at him and Cloud despised how he couldn't gauge his expression.
"Rufus's cousin."
Cloud cringed, sucking in a deep breath and corrected; "distant cousin."
"Whoa, you're related to Shinra's brat?" Reno blinked, suddenly seeing Cloud in a new light.
"Distantly." He reminded. Cloud was starting to think Reno would use him as a get out of jail free card in the foreseeable future. "We don't get along that well."
"You shared bubble baths with someone you don't get along with?" Rude raised an eyebrow, and Cloud knew the bastard was internally laughing at him- hell, Reno was; full blown body jerking laughter. He really hoped Reno wouldn't use that as blackmail later.
"No- I- He- gods, I was like five when that happened!" He blushed, running a hand through his hair sheepishly.
"Sure, my bubble bathing redneck." Reno snickered, once more wiping his eye. "Come on, the assembly should be starting."
Much to Reno's chagrin, the assembly had at least twenty minutes to start, and it took both Rude and Reno to take hold of both his arms and drag him over to the pervert who smiled affectionately at him.
Cloud didn't actually hate Rufus- hell, his cousins had been the only people who actually bothered to be nice to him back in Nibelheim, it was just unlike Lazard who was well mannered and brotherly, Rufus was... Rufus. "Hello Cloud, I hope your trip went smoothly."
"It was fine." Cloud frowned, recalling his discomfort in the first class train car; he appreciated the gesture, but it was too much and nowhere inside his comfort zone. "You really didn't need to do all that by the way; I could've made it just fine on my own."
"Nonsense." He frowned, staring one of their usual arguments. "You're a Shirna, weather you carry our name or not you have expectations to fulfill. And you can't spend all school year on that price of junk you call a computer; at least let me buy you a new one."
Cloud felt hurt- sure, his computer was as old as him, but that didn't mean it was a piece of junk. "Rufus, its-"
"I apologize for being late." A familiar voice interrupted Cloud's rebuff, and glancing back he saw the Wutain from earlier.
"Its no trouble, Tseng. This is my cousin; Cloud." Rufus quickly smiled, gesturing to Cloud who was still frowning at Rufus.
Recognition flashed in his eyes, but Tseng quickly hid it, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Oh? Cloud Strife, was it?"
"Yeah."
"My name is Tseng; the head of the disciplinary committee. Though, this is my last year, as well as Rufus's. I see you've already met Reno and Rude." That explained why he was such a stiff, Cloud thought, offering a small smile. "I hope you found your way around, without any trouble."
Oh shit.
"Where were you?" Rufus was quick to frown, sending a curious glance to the odd duo before looking back to Cloud. "You haven't been causing trouble, I hope?"
"I was just looking around." He grumbled, scowling. Why did Rufus have to treat him like a delinquent? He knew he wasn't an angel, but he didn't have to assume that he was just picking fights left in right.
The blonde gave him a look that said 'we'll talk more later' and turned to Tseng and started hushed conversation.
"Sorry!" Cloud jumped as a girl, panting and wearing what Cloud guessed was the disciplinary uniform all but slammed into the table. "I'm late! I know, I'm sorry!"
"Jesus Elena!" Reno hissed, looking started. "You damn near gave me a heart attack!"
"Where's Cissnei?" Was all Tseng said, earning a flinch from the blonde.
"She got food poisoning, and her parents won't let her come to school." She quickly replied, reminding Cloud of a child looking up to a parent, eager to please.
"Unfortunate." Cloud blinked in surprise when the senior's voice took a softer tone. "I hope she feels well soon."
"But who will fill in for her?" Rude inquired. "Someone needs to be with the student council members in section zero."
Suddenly Rufus turned to Cloud, and before he could protest his cousin volunteered; "Cloud will do it."
"Rufus." He warned with a glare.
"Oh relax," he snorted, "its only for one day and I expect you to join the student council at some point anyways."
"No." He growled, his patience for Rufus's antics growing thin.
"Cloud. Don't be childish."
"..."
"Cloud."
"What?"
"Do this for me."
Damn. Cloud cursed as a twinge of guilt seized his chest. "... Fine, but I'm not joining your stupid student council." He snarled, pulling his lips into a small pout, much to his distain.
"For now." Rufus conceded, turning to Tseng. "Go help him with his uniform, if you would." And there was a fine demonstration of Rufus's ability to make an order sound like a question.
"This way." Tseng guided him away from the auditorium, and the anger seeped out of Cloud like a popped balloon as they walked in silence. "He's only doing what he thinks is best for you."
Cloud blinked as they entered what looked to be the disciplinary committee's storage room, and Tseng pulled a uniform off a rack. Did he just console me?
"He may not have the best way of going about things, but he only wants the best for you." Tseng continued. "He cares for you."
An idea popped into Cloud's head, and suddenly Tseng's assurance made much more sense. "Are you dating Rufus?"
The wutain stiffened, his eyes widening in surprise before it melted away, revealing a softer expression. "Yes."
Cloud fumed. "And he didn't tell me?" Cloud knew new was pouting, but he was too happy to care. "Ma, I can understand- but me? I could've picked out his outfit for his first date! Did he overdress? He's not being too much of an ass is he? Did he tell Auntie Terra already?"
"Yes, occasionally, and yes." Tseng chuckled. "You aren't bothered?"
"Bothered? Why the hell would I be bothered? Rufus may be an ass, but he still deserves someone to make him happy. And less of an ass."
"I was under the impression you..." He paused, suddenly scowling. "Were exaggerated greatly in his description."
Cloud mirrored his expression, setting down the uniform and saying darkly; "tell me everything."
.line break .Rufus Shinra's POV {
The Shinra Drama Club: Transition;
}
So, Cloud and Tseng were running a little late, he noted as took his place behind the podium, his oh so darling half brother Lazard stepped aside from introducing Rufus as the student body president.
Rufus swore his mother Terra had done it to make them both 'get along better', but it just provided the two more opportunities to argue more; and lately those arguments started drifting to Cloud.
While Lazard argued he didn't listen to Cloud and spoiled him too much (and was a miniature pervert, for which Rufus spited Lazard even more for getting Cloud to call him that), Rufus reasoned Cloud knew he was only doing what's best, and Lazard was only related to Cloud in theory (to which Lazard would correct by pitching the word 'law').
"And I..." Rufus trailed off as the doors brust opened, and Cloud stormed in looking pissed.
Not that Rufus was worried- he was Rufus Shinra after all.
But as Cloud made his way over to him and smiled malevolently, Rufus could stop the words from leaving his mouth; "oh shit." Because one quickly learned that an enraged Cloud, solely focused on you was equal to that of rampaging behemoth. And that hurt.
A lot.
The Nigel dragon effortlessly wrapped his arm around Rufus's neck after hopping on to the stage and gave him what could only be described as a 'noogie'. "'Follows me around like a lost duckling'," the beast ground out, knuckles rubbing furiously against his skull despite Rufus's noises of protest. "Sound familiar?"
It did; immediately Rufus sent a helplessly pitiful glare to Tseng, who was smiling smugly for a damn near emotionless bastard. The best way to calm a super sayian was through his stomach, but Rufus didn't carry any chocolate on him anymore since Tseng noticed the habit, so Rufus swallowed his pride and settled for the second best. "I'm sorry."
"Damn right you're sorry!" The adorable dragon hissed; "what the hell, Rufus!? You just had to stroke your ego like a damn puppy, didn't you?"
Okay, third best, then. "Cloudy, as much as I like roughhousing with you I'd prefer it if you were tied up in my bedroom, rather in front of all these people."
Like an iceberg the anger began to melt away, quickly replaced with confusion. "What?"
Oh really, he wished Cloud wasn't so impulsive sometimes- well, after all, his cousin was rather stupid for a genius. "Why don't you wave?" He grinned, and Cloud quickly mimicked a Chocobo caught in headlights perfectly.
His face brunt beat read as he bolted away with a cry; "damn it Rufus!"
AN: Good? Nay? I don't know if I should post more or something, since I don't really post a lot of the stuff I write anyways.
Well, thanks for reading.