Alright, this did not turn out anything like I expected. I'm not really sure how I feel about it either, but here it is. This is a one-shot out of a series that will be called First Encounters. They'll be about Clouds first encounters with Zack, Angeal, Genesis, and Sephiroth.

This is my first one-shot, so I hope you all enjoy! Review and tell me what you think!

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy 7 or any of its smexy characters. If I did, well, it would be a very different story!

I couldn't believe it. I just could NOT believe it.

How DARE he? After twelve years of not hearing a damn peep from him, he decides to call today!

Today, the day of my coronation into SOLDIER. I finally made it in, and am now a third class.

Cloud Strife, SOLDIER Third class.

When I woke up today, I'd been SO excited. I enjoyed breakfast in the mess hall more then ever before. I smiled, laughed, and even joked around with the other guys. Life was good, before about two hours ago. Then HE called.

When I'd been told I had a call on the dorm phone, I was confused. My mother never called me, and honestly? I don't really have any friends. Well, except for Zack. But Zack never calls me, he just kinda shows up wherever I am. So, who on Gaia could it be?

At first, I didn't recognize the voice. Not until he told me who he was, then it clicked. My father, who abandoned me and my mother when I was five years old. I don't have a really clear recognition of the man, I was only five after all. But I do remember the last thing he said to me before he left. He'd said:

"I just have to go away for a while, but I'll be back."

But he never came back. He never called, or wrote. He just fell off the face of the planet. THAT man left me and my mother to fend for ourselves in a place where an unmarried woman, and bastard child were unwanted and despised.

So I'd wondered, what could he possibly want from me? I didn't have to wait long for the answer, mind you.

"So I heard you got into SOLDIER, huh? That's my boy! That comes from my side of the family, no doubt. By the way, how much do you guys make huh? I hear its quite a bit."

Money, and bragging rights. That's all he wanted from me. To be able to tell people that HIS son was a SOLDIER and that it came from his side of the family and that if it weren't for HIM I wouldn't be the man I am today. Which is BULLSHIT! Where was he when I was getting the crap beat out of me by the town bullies? Or when I fell from the nibel bridge when it broke? Or when I got bit by a nibel wolf?

Where was HE when my mother cried late at night because of the mess he left behind? Or when my birthday came around? Where was he when I needed him most? Gone, and happy to be so.

And now he tries to stroll back into MY life and TAKE from me? What kind of man do you have to be to do something so awful? So cruel? And now here I am, scrunched up in the corner of one of the less used training rooms, suffering. I should be out partying with the rest of the newly inaugurated SOLDIERS, drinking and getting into all sorts of shenanigans. But no, I can't because that SPERM DONOR had to call and ruin this beautiful day.

"Are you alright?"

I freeze, all of my thoughts leave me. I know that voice, I've heard it so many times before. Smooth, deep. My gaze wanders upwards, locking with a pair a bright green cat eyes.

General Sephiroth, my idol. He was sporting his usual leathers, Masamune absent from his side. He's watching me, his strange but beautiful slit eyes focused on my face. The general seems curious, and almost a bit concerned? Why though, I..

Shit, I'm crying. Gaia I must look pathetic! I finally meet my idol face to face and I'm blubbering like a baby! He must think I'm a sorry excuse.

I wipe my tears away quickly, and bow my head in shame. Almost immediately I feel a hand on my shoulder. Surprised, I look back up into green, more openly concerned eyes.

"Are you alright?"

he asks again, softer this time. he's crouched down in front of me now, facing me. Its odd but I feel..happy. Like for a moment, someone cares about me. Like I'm more then just a waste of space, and it causes a wave of emotion in me that overwhelms and breaks my flooded dam of inner turmoil. And I cry, a lot.

I'm not sure what possessed me to tell him about my father, but I did. I told him everything. If he was surprised about my outburst, he didn't show it. He listened to me intently, nodding every once in a while. He kept his hand on my shoulder the whole time I spoke, which had been incredibly reassuring to me. Considering the general hated to be touched, and disliked touching other people it was amazing he was doing so.

After I finished speaking, and had mostly stopped crying, realization hit me. I had just had a breakdown right in front of THE General Sephiroth! I acted pathetic and weak in front of the most amazing and strongest man in the world. What the HELL is WRONG with me?

"S-Sir I'm s-so sorry I d-didn't m-mean to.."

He's frowning at me! Crap I really messed up this-

"What are you apologizing for, SOLDIER?"

..Time?

"S-Sir?"

He shook his head, his tresses falling over his shoulders like liquid silver.

"There is no need to apologize, SOLDIER..?"

I blinked, confused for a second. Then I understood what he was asking. He wanted my name, MY NAME!

"S-SOLDIER third class, Cloud Strife.." I made sure not to stutter my name to him, at least. I already made a fool of my self enough for one day.

"Cloud Strife..you got promoted today, did you not?"

I nodded, running my fingers along the buckle of my third class belt. A feeling of pride ran through me. I'd worked so hard for this day, how could I let that bastard ruin this for me?

Sephiroth nodded, and removed his hand from my shoulder. He sat down next to me, cross legged and back straight. He placed his hands in his lap, and his gaze wandered to me.

"Everyone needs to let things out sometimes. As SOLDIERS we have a duty to uphold and often times that leads us to places we wish we never went, and sights we try our best to forget."

Sephiroth closed his eyes, as if reliving a painful memory himself. It passes quickly, and his eyes open and lock with mine again.

"This is why we must let our feelings out, in whatever way works. Talking, training..whatever works best for you. If we do not, we become a danger. To our self, and others. Many of the seconds and firsts understand this, so if you ever need someone to speak to seek one of them out."

The general stood, brushing off his black leather pants.

"And you may always speak to me if you want, do not be afraid to approach me."

I nodded dumbly, so stunned and overwhelmed by his words. The General turned to leave, and words poured from my lips before I could stop them.

"What about you Sir?"

Sephiroth stopped, and turned back to me.

"What about me, SOLDIER?"

Well, too late to take it back now.

"Do you have anyone to talk to, Sir?"

Shocked. He looks absolutely shocked I even asked. Maybe most people don't even bother with him? assuming that he's so perfect he doesn't need help. I think people forget sometimes that he's human, too.

The general's shocked expression fades, leaving a mildly surprised look on his face.

"I do. Why do you ask?"

For a reason I can't completely fathom, I blush.

"You're my general sir, I suppose I just care about your well being. And well..if you ever needed someone to talk to, I Would be willing to listen.."

He seems surprised again, but also something else. I can't place it, and its gone as quickly as it appeared. And then, like a gift from the goddess herself I am blessed with the most beautiful sight I have ever seen.

Sephiroth, the great general of Shinra, smiling. It was slight, but noticeable. In that moment I could have died happy. And the fact that that smile was aimed at me made my heart race with excitement.

"Thank you. Few have made that offer to me. I will..keep it in mind." At that the general turned, and made his way out of the training room.

I release a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding, and let my head fall back against the wall behind me.

Man, what a surreal day. Now all I need is Zack in a dress or something, and this crazy day will be complete!

And of course at that very moment, the door to the training room burst open revealing a hyper Zack sporting a neon green tutu over his usual uniform.

"Cloooooud! you in here?"

Yes, surreal was definitely the right word for this day.

I hope you all enjoyed! Review and tell me what you think!

~PipTheAlmighty