First of all Happy New Year to everyone and yes I know we are technically half way through the first month already, but I still wanted to say it as this is my first 4 Way split story for 2009 :o)
As you can see from the title of this story it is set at New Years so my apologies for not having it up sooner but there are various reasons for the delay. First of all was the mini-melt down of my Pc which delayed my writing and then when I looked back over all the wonderful reviews and PM's I have received I found that lots of you were starting to ask similar questions. As a result the story began to change a little bit and suddenly grew into something a lot more in-depth than I had planned.
You may also have noticed that this is the first time I have posted a 4WS saga instalment as in-progress and again I apologise. The other parts are nearly ready but I wanted to get the first chapter up as soon as it was ready.
I own nothing but the ideas and I hope you like what you read. Please review and let me know if you do :o)
New year – Part 1
Cloud stared at his reflection in the mirror and moaned softly to himself, a hand instinctively reaching for his stomach to try and settle the butterflies currently moving around within it. This was not something he was used to, a situation which was beyond his experience and one which was now out of his control.
"Hey Cloud, you ready?" Jacob called from the corridor and the cadet nearly jumped out of his skin.
"I'm just coming." He called back, before quickly looking at the reflection one last time.
Christmas day had been and gone, its festivities being quite enjoyable thanks to Zack's efforts and the people he had spent it with. Cloud smiled as he remembered the day itself, the wonderful meal, the thoughtful gifts and the more intimate time spent together. There was no denying that he missed that time now, the reduced number of cadet's on the base making it easier for him to disappear and be with them without it being suspicious. But now that opportunity was disappearing fast, the small group of cadet's who had also stayed over Christmas growing by the day as more returned early for various reasons. The blonde sighed as he thought about the joyful welcomes each had received, constantly feeling a little out of place as they happily shared tales about their holidays with family and friends. Cloud had sat quietly and listened to each story being told, his own thoughts and feelings constantly revolving around the wonderful time he'd had but was unable to talk about. Instead the cadet had always responded to their questions with answers involving extra studies or training, the partial truth being something they seemed to accept easily.
It had been the day before New Years' Eve when Jacob had the idea to welcome in the New Year together, all of them going for a night out below the plate to celebrate. Technically they were still on break and didn't have duties, classes or training for a few more days so the plan had been quickly accepted by everyone, well almost everyone. Cloud silently cursed Zack once more for accepting for him, the soldier jumping in as soon as the invitation had been spoken and agreeing on his behalf.
The blonde groaned as his stomach did another summersault, the sensation making him want to be sick and his legs turn to jelly where he stood. He had never been included in these outings with the other cadets before, the groups always leaving him out of their activities, and now it was making him more than nervous. Haunted memories of past experiences were already drifting through his mind, the worries of mental torture such as teasing and joking at his expense causing a sweat to form on his body. Pushing the disturbing images from his head again Cloud drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly, his personal mantra playing once more in his head. "It's not like before, it's not like before, it's not like before." With that the cadet grabbed his jacket and slipped it on, his hands trembling as he picked up his wallet and key card before putting them in his pocket and leaving the safety of his dorm room.
"Hey, don't look so worried. We're off duty so no one's gonna report us." Jacob joked light-heartedly, as Cloud appeared looking a little paler than usual.
"Yea, sure. Sorry." The blonde mumbled, as he followed them through the corridors.
"Have you ever been under the plate before?" Brice asked as he moved forward to open the door
"A few times." Cloud replied, his voice thankfully not betraying his nervous state.
"Don't worry, just stick with us, ok."
"Come on you guys, we're going to miss the train." Another voice called from further down the path.
Jacob and Brice quickly jogged ahead and Cloud took a deep breath before following them, his feet moving instinctively to stay with the crowd, while his heart raced frantically in his chest silently begging him to turn and run the other way.
Unbeknown to the blonde he was actually being watched, the eyes of a Turk and soldier studying his every move as he hurried to catch up with the other cadet's
"You think he's gonna be ok?" Reno asked casually, leaning back against the wall.
"I'm not sure." Zack admitted hesitantly.
The Turk looked across at the soldier and sighed as he took in the worried expression, the look clearly portraying his own feelings at what they had indirectly done to the blonde. It had been no surprise when Cloud had been angry that night, his hopes of spending the time with them being crushed not only by Zack's actions but also Sephiroth's bad news. The argument had begun with the cadet venting his annoyance at the soldier, his frustration about Zack accepting invitations on his behalf starting the evening off badly. Things had only gotten worse when the general had informed the blonde that unfortunately both he and the other two would be required to attend the president's party that night, a function that Cloud would not be able to attend. After a while they had managed to convince him that it was for the best, that this way he wouldn't be alone and could build on the new friendships he was forming with the other cadet's.
It was only now as he sat on the roof watching the blonde disappear that the soldier began to worry about the decision they had made. The accident had scared the hell out of him and the past few months of Cloud's recovery had been hard in more ways than one. But things were better now and if anything Cloud was actually beginning to relax and enjoy his time as a cadet away from them. He no longer avoided talking about how his day had been, instead happily recounting various things he had said or done with some of the other cadet's. They knew he was still cautious about the changes taking place, that he was still nervous about how the other cadet's now acted around him, but with some persuasion Cloud had begun to see that these changes were ok. Zack had been thrilled when one of the other cadet's had bumped into them that day and invited Cloud along for drinks. It was a perfect opportunity for the cadet to make some more friends and to get to know his troop better, and it also meant their blonde wouldn't be alone for new year's, which was why the soldier had agreed for him instantly.
"He needs to get out more, mix with his peers." The Turk commented reassuringly, noting the tension in the soldier's body.
"I know." Zack sighed, settling down on the floor now that Cloud was out of sight.
"So what's bothering you?"
"Guess I'm just worried about him." The soldier admitted smiling faintly.
"I'm sure he's gonna be fine. Those guys seem ok."
"Yea, you're right." Zack agreed with a sigh.
"Beside," Reno continued, knowing the main reason for the soldier's depressed mood. "We can't have him alone tonight, it just wouldn't be right."
"What's not right is us having to work." Zack grumbled.
"You only have to be there for show, it's not like you're actually working." The Turk pointed out slightly annoyed now.
"Ok, so you have to watch over Rufus while he gets drunk," The soldier agreed apologetically. "But when it's a party and you can't have fun its still work."
"Fine, I'll agree with that one." Reno huffed, as he lent back against the wall beside Zack. "So ..."
"So?"
"So ... how do you think it will go?"
"I think the parties going to be ..."
"Not the party you idiot," The red head cut in, shaking his head. "I mean for Cloud, how do you think it's going to be for him?"
"I thought you were the one who said he was going to be fine." The soldier pointed out, raising one eyebrow questioningly.
"Well maybe I'm a little worried too."
"Who knows, hopefully it will be fine." Zack replied, the slight laughter that had resulted from Reno's words now fading away as his own concerns came back.
The sound of the soldier's phone ringing interrupted whatever the Turk had been about to say, the sudden noise making both men jump slightly. Zack answered it immediately and Reno listened to as much of the conversation as he could after he recognised the other person as being Sephiroth. The call only lasted a minute and consisted mainly of the general trying to find out where they were, his presence at the party having required him to be there earlier than either of them.
"I take it he's not happy about this function either." The Turk asked, as soon as the soldier had hung up.
"That's putting it mildly."
"It's that bad?"
"You know how much he hates it when they put him on display and tonight is all about making a show of ShinRa."
"So he's about ready to kill someone."
"Yep." Zack replied with a small amused smile.
"Then I guess we should be going." The red head noted, although he didn't look like he wanted too.
"I'd say that was a wise decision or you might end up having to save your boss from your boyfriend."
"Great, just what I need." Reno groaned, as he pushed away from the wall and waited for Zack to rise.
They both glanced once more towards the place where they had last seen Cloud, each of them knowing there was no possible way of seeing the cadet now yet somehow hoping too. It was with great reluctance and heavy hearts that they made their way off the roof and back down through the building, their feet practically dragging on the floor as they walked towards where they needed to be. Neither spoke as they made their way across the compound and into the main ShinRa building, both lost in their own thoughts and hoping for the night to be over as soon as possible so that they could spend the new day with their blonde.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Cloud had remained quiet and on edge as the group made its way to the station, his mind still trying to process how he had ended up in this position. Even as they boarded the train and headed down towards the bars below the plate he had been a nervous wreck, his insides in a mess while he continued to silently curse Zack for putting him there. At the time of being asked he had been too shocked to respond, the unexpected invitation being like the start of a dream or a nightmare depending on how it turned out. It had been this momentary pause which had given the soldier time to intervene, the uncertainty and mild panic in the blonde's eyes being completely ignored as his attendance to the event was guaranteed for him.
They had saved the argument about it until they had met with the others later, with Cloud having had hours to fret and Zack time to realise that maybe he had overstepped the boundaries a little. If it hadn't been for Sephiroth and Reno's intervention the cadet was sure he would have skewered the soldier with his own sword, the raven haired man stubbornly insisting that it was a good idea. Unfortunately the general and Turk had only been able to help so much, their attempts to calm the blonde working up to the point when they had confessed to not being around at all that night.
It was the feel of the train coming to a juddering halt which pulled Cloud back from his deep thoughts, the sudden stillness of the vehicle as everybody moved towards the doors letting him know they had reached their stop. Within seconds the small group was walking along the platform and making its way through the dark streets, the vaguely familiar surroundings actually helping to calm the blonde's racing heart. Soon the other cadet's were all laughing and chatting happily, their conversations about New Year resolutions and plans for the future quickly filling the cold night around them. Cloud remained silent and listened to it all, his own thoughts and feelings about the year ahead being kept safely tucked away where no one could see them. There was one cadet he didn't know who planned on meeting the girl of his dreams, the others laughing at the idea and of course teasing him that tonight could be the night. Jacob picked the obvious dream of wanting to be in soldier before the year was out, an aim that many of the others instantly agreed with. Brice had smiled brightly and informed everyone that he was hoping to be noticed by the Turks which of course had started a whole new conversation, one which thankfully Cloud had been able to avoid.
The subject had soon become quite a debated one and even after they had reached the bar and finished their first round many of the cadet's were still mulling over the differences between being a soldier and a Turk. The blonde tried to stay quietly hidden at the edges of the group but Jacob and Brice made a point of pulling him to the centre, their warm and friendly smiles appearing to offer reassurance as he was included in the conversation without being expected to speak. After a while the discussion moved on to their homes and the lives left behind, the conversation growing to include regrets each had now that the year was ending and there was time to reflect on the past. To Cloud's amazement Brice's regret had been that they had treated him so badly from the start, the cadet's words sounding so heartfelt and true that the blonde had been left speechless. The shook had not ended there as suddenly Jacob and some of the other cadets agreed with it, their unexpected apologies only adding to the blonde's already embarrassed state and causing his blush to darken even more.
Thankfully no one had teased him about the sudden change to his normally pale features, the others all seeming to understand and brushing it off as being due to the alcohol he had drunk. They had laughed off the sappy moment with jokes about needing more beer before things got to mushy and how they intended to be wasted by the time the New Year arrived. It was after this that Cloud began to join in a little more, his nervous state still noticeable as he tried to add to the conversations or answer questions which were directed at him. Strangely no one commented on his slow integration into the evening, nor did they ask why he was reluctant to speak about home or his personal life. Instead the other cadet's appeared to happily accept his quiet shy nature, almost as if they had been expecting it before they had even gathered that evening. It didn't take long for Cloud to feel comfortable enough to let his guard down, his cautious nature melting away so that he began to smile more and even allowed himself to laugh softly at some of the jokes being told.
Unlike the others the blonde had no intention of getting drunk, his plans to meet up with Zack, Reno and Sephiroth later requiring him to be sober enough to get home in one piece. However it wasn't long before some of the others began to notice his slower drinking than their own, the now slightly intoxicated youths quickly picking him up on it as they planned the next round.
"Come on Cloud." A boy called Jones called over. "You're already like a pint behind all of us."
"No, it's two." Jacob corrected, his faintly glazed eyes meeting with the blonde's now slightly panicked ones.
"It's fine, really." Cloud informed them, his head bowing down as he spoke.
"Not a big drinker?" A guy named Tom asked, his head nodding in understanding.
"Or maybe it's because Lieutenant Fair won't let him." A snide voice cut in before the blonde could reply.
Cloud felt his insides tighten as Zack's name was mentioned, as the sudden inclusion of the soldier made the conversation more interesting for the cadet's around him. The tiny seed of fear from earlier suddenly began to take root in his chest as their eyes all turned to settle on him, as Dean's question hug in the air unanswered and everyone seemed to hold their breath for his response.
"Well Cloud, is that why?" Tom asked, a little too eagerly for the blonde's comfort.
"I'm just don't drink much." The cadet replied hesitantly, the feeling of panic steadily growing throughout his body.
"Yea right." Dean spat in something close to disgust. "Or maybe it's because Fair won't let you."
"Is it part of your training?" Jones interrupted, his voice clearly revealing his excitement at the subject now being discussed.
"Yea Cloud, tell us about it." Another cadet named Karl spoke up. "What's it like having Fair as a mentor?"
It was as if someone had flicked a switch and suddenly Cloud understood what had happened, that he had been softened up to let his guard down, and that once again he was only at the party to be the entertainment. He could see it now, the similar questions hidden behind their eyes, the people around him wanting to know about his personal life. Cloud groaned inwardly as the mixed gazes of intrigue and curiosity bore into him, as each cadet beside him waited for an answer to confirm or deny the rumours they heard so often.
"I'd rather not talk about it." Cloud replied calmly, his voice somehow managing to conceal the storm of emotions raging within him.
"Come on Cloud, just tell us something." Jones coaxed, with an unpleasant insistency.
"Tell us about him, what's he really like?" Tom asked, with a disturbing keenness in his voice.
"How much does he help you train?" Karl spoke up, his question eliciting a bitter chuckle from Dean beside them.
"Yea Cloud." Dean taunted. "What's it like having the Lieutenant as a mentor? I bet he trains you real hard."
No one failed to notice how he mocked the word 'train', how his eyes and hand gestures implied that the word was a substitute for something else. Cloud felt his insides go cold, the dreaded turn of events making his heart skip a beat and then suddenly start racing within his chest. Slowly the blonde's head moved to meet Dean's face, silently praying that his own expression did not portray the panic now flowing through his body. The other cadet just stared at him and there was anger in his eyes, a dislike that Cloud was all too familiar with. The feelings of worry and anxiety quickly changed into irritation, the blonde quietly cursing himself for allowing it all to happen, as the need to run and escape burned painfully within his veins.
"He's my mentor." Cloud informed them all evenly, his anger helping to keep the fear from his voice.
"Come on, we all know you and the Lieutenant are more than that." Dean spat.
"He's my mentor." The blonde repeated firmly.
"Yea, right." The cadet sneered.
Another look revealed similar expressions of doubt for his words, the small group having already formed certain opinions which he had no way of fighting. It was at this point that Cloud decided he'd had enough and got up to leave, the situation now clearly revealing itself as the nightmare he had feared it would be. He had already moved a couple of steps towards the door before the others realised and one of them spoke, their words only causing his progress to falter slightly so that he could reply.
"Cloud you don't have to go." Jacob protested quickly.
"It's fine." The blonde replied flatly, his mood now obviously withdrawn and defensive.
"Just ignore Dean and have another drink." Brice added, the intensity of the moment causing him to sober slightly.
"I'd rather go." Cloud stated calmly, his expression now blank and all of his emotions carefully tucked away.
"But you were having a good time before." Jacob argued carefully.
"And we still have a couple of hours till the New Year." Brice added hopefully.
"I'm suddenly not in the festive mood, but you guys have fun, I'm going to head back." The blonde informed them, his body already turning away.
"Cloud ..."
"See you tomorrow." The blonde interrupted before Jacob could continue, his legs already carrying him towards the door and through it into the cold night outside.
The cadet didn't hesitate this time as he walked along the road, his body wanting to put as much distance between them and their questions as physically possible. It wasn't long before he reached the station and found himself standing on the empty platform, his feet having carried him towards home on autopilot while his mind was lost to troubled thoughts. Noticing that the train had yet to arrive Cloud crossed his arms over his chest and drew in on himself to keep out the cold, his weary breaths now visible as small white clouds escaping his body into the bitter night.
Sighing heavily the blonde allowed his thoughts to wander away from his own problems and to think about what the others were doing, silently hoping that their evening was going better than his own. He knew that they were not exactly to blame for having to work, that even Sephiroth had been unable to avoid this function, but somehow the reasons just didn't seem good enough anymore. The cadet knew it was selfish of him to want to be with them, to see the old year out and the new one in at their side. He felt the first tear escape and roll down his cheek, the single drop of water stinging his frost bitten skin as it met the cold night air. Cloud was so lost in his own thoughts of self-pity and loneliness that he didn't notice the small group of youths creeping up behind him out of the shadows, not until it was too late.
"Your wallet please." A threatening voice ordered causing the cadet to flinch.
"And anything else of value would be appreciated." A second voice mocked.
The cadet took one look around him and sighed heavily, his evening of supposed fun and merriment turning into the ultimate night from hell. Unfortunately the delay in his responding to their demands only angered the youths and deciding that he was taking too long one moved forward and landed a right hook to the blonde's jaw. Cloud felt his head snap round and his whole body being spun by the unexpected blow, his legs twisting awkwardly and resulting in him falling to the floor. The taste of blood in his mouth let him know he had been foolish, while the shooting pain in his wrist let him know he was in trouble. The cadet could only laugh at himself as the foot of a heavy boot caught him in the chest, and knocked the wind from his body, knowing that really he should have been prepared and able to defend himself.
The attack only lasted a couple of minutes as the group took what they wanted and then left him lying on the cold floor, his bruised and beaten body curled in on itself as he tried to breathe through the pain. By the time the train arrived he was on his feet again, his damaged wrist tucked in close against his chest and protecting the badly bruised ribs down one side. He had managed to wipe the blood off his chin, but the swelling of his spilt lip was now becoming noticeable as he tried to keep his head down. The ride back to the base was uncomfortable and nauseating, the constant rocking motions of the train jarring his ribs and making him hiss softly through clenched teeth.
It was with great reluctance that he made his way towards the infirmary once he was back on the base, the throbbing sensation in his wrist making him feel sick and the ache in his chest leaving him breathless. He had barely passed through the door when a familiar face greeted him, her cheerful smiling melting away as soon as she took in his pale and drawn features.
"Cloud honey what happened?" Rose gasped as she hurried forward.
"I got mugged." The blonde informed her, before sighing heavily.
"Where?" The nurse continued, already putting a protective arm around his shoulders and leading him towards a cubicle.
"At the station below the plate."
"What were you doing down there?"
"I was supposed to be having drinks with friends." Cloud replied, his tone at the word friends letting Rose know it hadn't ended well.
"Is this the friend you were here with before?" The nurse asked carefully, as she helped him to sit on one of the beds.
"No, he had to work so I went out with some of the other cadet's."
"Then he doesn't know you're here?"
"No and I'd like to keep it that way for now, please."
"Alright." Rose agreed, her reassuring smile slowly coming back into place. "Now let's take a look at you."
Between them they managed to carefully remove his jacket and shirt, the items of clothing being placed to one side as they took in the damage. Cloud knew that his ribs weren't broken but that didn't make the hurt any less, nor did it comfort him when he looked down at his arm and saw the new size and colour of the flesh just below his hand.
"It's broken isn't it?" He groaned wearily, as a wave of nausea swept through him.
"Maybe." Rose agreed, as she gently forced him to lie back on the bed.
"Will they heal it or leave it?" Cloud asked, his tone implying that he already knew the answer.
"You know they save the healing materia for soldiers and serious injuries sweety." Was the honest and apologetic reply.
"Great, just great." The blonde sighed in frustration. "I've already missed too much as it is."
"Well don't worry about that now. You just relax here and I'll get the doctor."
With a comforting smile and pat to his arm Rose left, her feet moving her quickly down the corridor to where the doctor would be found. A few minutes later and Cloud was being poked, prodded and pinched a he was examined, each part of the assessment on his injuries making the bruised areas sting and ache. The end result was better than he had thought, the doctor revealing the ribs to only be bruised as Cloud had predicted and the wrist only being severely sprained and not broken as he had feared. In one way the sprain would mean he would only be out of action for two weeks, some of which would still be vacation time, however it did mean that he would definitely not be getting the immediate relief of healing materia. Once the doctor had left Rose went about cleaning and dressing his wounds, her skilful hands working to treat the tender areas with more care than the trained professional who had just left.
"How's that?" The nurse asked as she lowered his aching wrist down on to his lap, the secure bandage now hiding the discolouration but not the obvious swelling.
"It still hurts." Cloud admitted, his whole body now feeling tired and sore.
"I'm sure we can get you something for the pain."
"Can I have something to help me sleep?" The blonde enquired hesitantly.
"You don't want to see in the New Year?" Rose asked in surprise.
"No." The cadet replied sadly. "I've had a horrible night and now I just want to forget about it."
"Aren't you going to meet your friend once he finishes work?"
"He's at the big party the president is having, I'm not sure when he'll be finished."
"I see. In that case I'll see what I can do."
With that Rose gathered up the things she had been using and left, her retreating figure once again leaving Cloud alone to his thoughts. Sighing heavily the cadet closed his eyes, the burning sting of tears threatening to escape and show his hurt and humiliation at what had happened. It was bad enough that he had been forced to go out with them but what hurt the most was that his instincts had been right all along, they had only invited him along for fun. Then there was the promise Zack had made about the holiday being something good for all of them, that they would make new memories together so that it was nothing like the experiences of his past.
Slowly the anger at being injured began to grow within the cadet, the tendrils reaching out towards Sephiroth and Reno as well, as he began to blame them all for abandoning him. The hurt and frustration soon began to warp the emotions within him, twisting and turning them until it was more than just the pain of his physical injuries and the shame of being beaten. Cloud knew it was stupid to blame Zack for what had happened, to make them all responsible for his failure, especially when it had been his own fault for not being able to defend himself. All too quickly the feelings began to change and soon the cadet was drowning in guilt at blaming the others, the self-loathing steadily building within his chest as he recalled all the taunting and teasing of the past which his weakness deserved.
"Cloud what's wrong?" Rose's voice cut in, her worried tone making him open his eyes and look up.
"I've had a really bad night." The blonde sobbed, as tears began to run freely down his ghostly pale cheeks.
The nurse's arms were around him in seconds and pulling him into a comforting embrace, one hand moving instinctively to rub gently circles along his back as she whispered soothing words of reassurance against his head. Rose held him tightly for a few minute as the small sobs rocked his body against her own, as the tears flowed silently down his face and soaked into her uniform. There was so much emotion being released in those tiny drops of water that she could actually feel it as each one was absorbed into the material above her heart. The cold dampness being created above the beating organ reminding her just how young and vulnerable the cadet's still were, especially the good ones like Cloud. It was only when he began to calm that Rose gently pulled back, her hands moving to his shoulders so that their eyes could meet.
"I have something to help with the pain and to help you sleep." She informed him gently.
"Thank you." The cadet murmured faintly.
"I want you to take them and then I want you to tell me everything." The nurse urged gently, her soft kind tone instantly reminding Cloud of his mother back home.
"Alright." The blonde agreed softly, his aching heart happily welcoming the comfort which was being offered.
Once both tablets had been swallowed and Cloud was settled on the bed he began to talk, his voice wavering through the tears as he recounted the nights events starting with the things leading up to it. He told Rose about some of the teasing which had been part of his childhood and time at ShinRa, then went over the accident which had supposedly changed that for him. The nurse listened as the cadet described the doubts he'd been feeling about the way the others now treated him, the constant worry that it was just too good to be true. It had nearly broken her heart when Cloud described the turning point of the evening, how his need to get away from the people he considered to be allies had left him vulnerable to the attack. It wasn't long before his words became softer and his eyelids began to droop, the sedative finally taking effect and forcing him to sleep. The sounds of people singing and muffled explosions were the last thing Cloud heard as the darkness carried him away, the world welcoming in the new year as he left it all behind.
Rose looked down at the sleeping cadet beside her and sighed, her caring smile slipping as she let her real emotions about what had happened begin to show. It didn't seem fair that such a good person could be hurt so much, that someone as kind-hearted as Cloud should be alone to see in the New Year. The nurse took one last look at the angelic face beside her, the idea forming in her head finding strength as she looked at the tear stained cheeks still pink and damp from his crying.
"Julie I'm just popping out for a bit." Rose called, as she made her way past the reception desk and towards the infirmary entrance.
"It's midnight Rose, where are you going?" The girl at the desk called.
"To find a soldier." The nurse shouted back, before she disappeared through the door.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
"How much longer do we have to stay here?" Zack asked, as he shifted restlessly again.
"Until the president leaves." Sephiroth replied, his body not moving like the soldier's but the tone of his voice revealing his own need for the party to be over soon.
"It's after midnight Seph, he'll be home soon and he'll be alone."
"I am aware of this Zack, but there is very little I can do about it."
"You're the general, can't you order me to leave."
"Under what grounds?"
"I don't know make something up."
"I'm sorry but there is no good reason for you to go right now, it would only raise suspicion."
"What about if I set off the fire alarm that would ..."
"Zack." Sephiroth warned, his eyes now levelling with the soldier's to make sure that his next words were listened too. "The problems of dealing with that would take longer to sort out than just waiting for this function to end."
"At least it would end." Zack grumbled, as he kicked at an imaginary bit of dirt on the floor.
"At least Cloud is with friends and having a good time." The general added gently, his tone softening as he took in the soldier's tired and frustrated expression.
"Yea, I guess you're right." Zack agreed half-heartedly. "You never know he might even be drunk and completely unaware of our absence."
"Cloud is not like you and Reno when it comes to drinking."
"But it is New Years Seph and he is out with the boys."
"Zack I am not allowed to dismiss you and all you are managing to do is give me more reasons to worry about him." Sephiroth pointed out in frustration, his eyes now glowing slightly in the dim light.
"I'm sorry." The soldier sighed, as he took in the concerned look. "I'm sure he drank sensibly and is either at home or almost home as we speak."
"And he will be tucked up safely in bed when we get home as well." The general concluded, as he tried to add more reassurance to their concerns.
The conversation between them was interrupted as one of the other guests approached, his wife blushing furiously as they introduced themselves and Sephiroth greeted both politely. Zack quickly pushed his personal thoughts aside and let his charming smile fall into place as he was introduced, his flattering comments towards the lady adding to her blush and creating an amusing giggle to escape her lips. It was at this stage in the introductions that the husband made a point of leaving, his look at the soldier not being a pleasant one as he steered his wife away.
"You always have that affect." Sephiroth noted calmly, as he watched them go.
"Yep." Zack agreed happily. "The ladies love me and the husbands don't."
"If only they knew they had nothing to be jealous of." The general mused thoughtful, a slight curve of his lips revealing his amusement to the soldier.
"But then we wouldn't have something to drive them away with." Zack replied, his own face now displaying a radiant smile as he tried not to laugh.
"Indeed." Sephiroth agreed, with a twinkle in his eye.
"What you guys looking so happy about?" Reno's voice cut in, as he appeared beside them.
"Zack's unique skills regarding crowd control."
"So that explains why the guy looked ready to kill you."
"I'm just doing my job and saying hello." The soldier replied a little too happily.
"Then perhaps you would consider greeting the guests in a different way so as to not upset them." Tseng cut in, his serious expression letting them know he was not impressed.
"Come on." Zack groaned, "Don't tell me you guys are happy with how everyone keeps ogling Rufus like he's a piece of meat."
"No, we are not, but we still understand the need to be discreet about how we manage the guests." The head Turk replied evenly.
The response which had been forming on Zack's lips died instantly when both a soldier and nurse he recognised appeared beside them. He glanced over at the women questioningly and noted the worry in her eyes, at first mistaking it for concern about being there, but then realising it was more than that. Before he could ask the soldier spoke, the familiar voice easily recognisable even as it was muted by the sound of the music.
"General Sephiroth, Sir." Kunsel stated by way of announcing his presences.
"Yes."
"I'm sorry to interrupt sir but I have a nurse here from the infirmary, she requires a word with Lieutenant Fair, Sir."
This instantly drew the small group's attention towards the women, each clearly seeing how she now trembled slightly under the intensity of their combined gaze. Zack smiled reassuringly as he noted how she still tried to hold her head high, the look of determination in her eyes making him even more curious about her presence.
"Thanks Kunsel." The soldier spoke up quickly, his lack of formality helping the nurse to relax slightly. "So Rose what can I do for you?"
"You ... you remember me?"
"Of course, I couldn't forget a pretty face like yours now could I?"
The delightful blush which crept over her cheeks was enough to make Zack ignore the slight groan he heard from Reno and the glare of annoyance he received from Tseng.
"So, what's up?" He asked again, as the small group began to shift restlessly.
"It's about Cadet Strife, sir." She replied nervously.
"Cloud!" Zack gasped, as his heart slammed into the walls of his chest. "Where is he, is he alright?"
"He's in the infirmary now and we've treated his injuries."
"What happened?" Sephiroth cut in, his question being the next one on Zack's lips.
"He was attacked below the plate while waiting for a train back to the base."
"The station? But shouldn't there have been guards there?" Reno asked in surprise.
"Yes." The general replied grimly. "And I will be looking into it as soon as this party is over."
"How is he?" Zack asked, the blonde's welfare more of a concern for him right now.
"He's stable but I thought you should be informed."
"Thanks, I appreciate that. Seph can I ..."
"Go." Sephiroth instructed instantly, his order cutting of Zack's request before it could be finished. "Check up on him and report back as soon as possible."
"Will do." The soldier agreed, before turning his attention back towards Rose.
The nurse bowed politely as she said goodbye and they left, their retreating figures being followed by the soldier who had escorted her in as he returned to his post. The general remained silent but his eyes watched them until they were out of sight, his owe heart aching at not being able to be at Cloud's side as well. It was only once they were gone that he let his gaze drift across to Reno and saw the same expression in the red heads eyes, the emotions of worry and guilt dancing dangerously close to the surface.
Unfortunately he was not the only one to see the flash of emotions in Reno's eyes, the head Turk now suitably unimpressed by the small show of weakness and vulnerability being displayed.
"Don't you have a job to be doing?" Tseng stated evenly, his eyes levelling with the red heads.
"I'm on it." Reno replied bluntly a second before he moved away, his face now a blank mask as he disappeared into the crowd.
Almost instantly the head Turk left as well, his own retreating figure moving him in the opposite direction and leaving Sephiroth alone to his thoughts in the crowded room. There was suddenly a very strong desire burning within him, the need to find Reno and somehow escape the prison the party had become. He sighed heavily knowing there was nothing he could do, that the situation was frustratingly out of his control. For a start he was not Reno's superior and did not have the luxury of being able to order him to Cloud's side as he could with Zack. There was also the problem of explaining the reason behind their need to check on the blonde, the relationship still being kept discreet and out of the public's eye for all of their safety.
It didn't take a genius to know that Sephiroth was not pleased about something and so most of the guests now chose to avoid him. The obvious tension in his shoulders mixed with the cold expression on his face and the mako glow in his eyes warning them to leave him alone. Pleased that there was no one else to distract him the general continued to watch Reno throughout the remaining time, his enhanced vision constantly picking up the flashes of bright red hair across the room. He smiled to himself knowing that the Turk was doing it on purpose, that if necessary Reno could be a ghost and go unseen by everyone. The fact that the red head was deliberately letting Sephiroth see him meant that he was silently conveying his own worries, the simple act of sight offering comfort when no other form was available.
Across the room the Reno watched as another couple moved further away from the general's presence, his body practically radiating the words 'leave me alone'. The Turk couldn't help but smile faintly as he noticed the obvious distance forming between Sephiroth and the other guests, his body now surrounded by an ever increasing clear space. The amusement quickly faded into an ache, the sensation quickly growing until it was like a stabbing pain in his chest. The red head sighed heavily as he scanned the mass of bodies in front of him, his mind only half on the job as he observed some of the guests starting to leave. A silent cheer sounded somewhere within Reno's head as he realised that people were going, that soon it would all be over and he could get to the infirmary.
Unexpected flashes of memories about the medical centre hit him like a tidal wave, images of the soldier lying pale and lifeless in a hospital bed making him choke on his own breath. The experience was still too fresh in The Turk's mind, the smell of blood filling his senses as if it were really there and making him gag. They had only just sorted themselves out after Cloud's stupid accident, then Zack had been seriously injured while on a simple mission and now once again the blonde was hurt after what should have been a fun evening out. In the back of his head he was screaming that it wasn't fair, that none of them deserved to suffer like this, that surely they had the right to be happy. The internal battle made his head spin and his chest tighten painfully, his heart tearing apart as he felt the sea of emotions wash over it. The sudden onslaught of feelings made the red head stagger, his legs momentarily loosing their balance and causing him to stumble against the wall for support. A silent mantra of 'it's not fair' played through his head, the words repeating over and over until Tseng's words cut through the noise like a hot knife through butter. Reno drew in a fearful breath and quickly gathered himself together, his eyes frantically scanning the room to make sure no one had seen him falter.
The sigh of relief that escaped his body was enough to draw the attention of a couple standing nearby and he shrugged apologetically before moving away. He ignored the curious gaze they gave him as he walked towards his next check point, the small perimeter he was assigned once again only receiving half of his attention. This time however it was not just thoughts of the others which clouded his mind but also Tseng's warning, the head Turks insistence that he sort his properties out burning through his head. Reno growled under his breath as he realised that he couldn't argue the man's words anymore, that there was no denying how the relationship was affecting his work, and how the constant incidents were starting to take their toll on him.
"Can't we have just one thing go right, please?" He asked the air, his request being given voice when it should have stayed quietly within his mind.
The expression on Tseng's face became grimmer as he silently drew away from Reno, his intention to check on the red head now being unnecessary. Of all his Turks Reno was the one who could pull of casual the best, his laid back attitude and appearance easily masking the trained fighter within. So when he had seen the younger Turk drifting through the crowd so carelessly he had assumed it was this relaxed facade being used. It was only now that he realised that it was no mask, that in fact Reno was once again distracted by his personal life. With a heavy sigh Tseng walked away before his presence was noticed, the other duties involved with providing security for the function giving him a good reason to avoid the subject until later.