A/N: So next chapter. I hope it's okay and if there are any mistakes please let me know so I can fix them. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I'm not gonna keep writing this so see chapter 1.
Chapter 2
Surprisingly I woke the next morning rested. No nightmares which was rare. Zack was still sleeping soundly, sprawled across the bed. So I slipped out of bed quietly, slipped on a pair of Zack's workout pants and made sure to shut the bedroom door behind me.
I went to the kitchen and started some coffee and got to fixing breakfast. Me and Zack may not have been able to cook in our first life but after a few lives we learned, we got sick of take out and could only bother Aerith so often without drawing suspicion.
So I decided to make pancakes and after I found a block of chocolate I decided to shave some to put in the batter. Zack had a huge sweet tooth and this would pick his mood up a bit. I'm glad the years have toned him down a bit otherwise the sugar rush he would go through would have been a nightmare.
I did decide to double the batter though. After I thought about it I figured I should expect company after all Zack did say they were curious about me and if I was wrong we could always store away the rest.
When the coffee was done I poured myself a cup and went back to finish cooking. I was just about done when there was a knock at the door and I smiled to myself. I may have expected them but I wasn't expecting them to knock. I figured they would have just walked right in like the day before.
I opened the door to find Genesis with Angeal and Sephiroth behind him. "Come on in. I hope you guys are hungry." I turned to walk back to the kitchen. I heard the door click shut and the soft footsteps following me into the kitchen. "Take a seat. Tea or Coffee?" Cloud asked them, stacking more pancakes on a plate.
Tea for Genesis and Angeal, Coffee for Sephiroth. I poured a cup for the General and started water for the tea. By the time I had put milk and sugar on the table the water was heated. I handed the others their cups and grabbed mine. Leaning against the counter I took a sip of my coffee and looked at them. Except for telling me what they wanted no one had said anything just watched me. It was at that point I realized that all I was wearing was a pair of Zack's sweat pants.
"Sorry about my appearance. I haven't been up long and I didn't want to wake Zack up looking for a shirt."
"You're fine just the way you are precious." Genesis practically purred. I snorted in amusement. Well now I knew he at least found me attractive, I wasn't sure if he was flirting to do it or if there was any meaning behind it but if things went well tonight I'm positive I'd find out. "I'm sure. Zack should be up in less than 30 minutes." I told them and watched the incredulous looks they gave me.
I placed the platter of pancakes on the table with forks, knives and plates following right behind. Genesis dug right in as I was sitting down. Breakfast was a quiet affair, without Zack all of us were content to just eat in peace. It was a little unexpected. I figured out of the three of them Genesis would be the one to fire off questions considering he was the talker of the group.
When I finished I put my plate in the sink and refilled my cup. Leaning against the counter again I wait to the interrogation to start. Sephiroth was the first done and I grabbed his plate as well as refilled his cup. He was also the first to start questioning me. "Were you expecting us or perhaps someone else?"
"I had a feeling and if I had been expecting someone else I wouldn't have invited you to eat." He nodded at my statement and took another sip of his coffee.
"How did you meet Zack?" Angeal asked.
I thought back to our first meeting but I could tell them that. It was during a mission and I am no longer a trooper or SOLDIER and cadets don't go on missions. "I met him my first day in Midgar. He helped me find where I need to go when I got lost during recruitment day." That was close to what happened in our second life. Zack thought his first life was all a bad dream and I ran into him sometime before when we first met. It didn't change much except we've always been able to avoid being captured by Hojo again.
"You seem to be good for him." Angeal smiled gently at me. "It's more like he's good for me." I told him and it was true. Zack and Aerith were the one who were keeping me sane. I was eternally grateful for that I didn't ever want to go back to the time I thought I was Zack. My mind was fractured then and I think I was insane at that point without either of them to ground me and remind me who I was.
"So cadet," "Cloud." I interrupted him. "I know you know my name. Just call me cloud."
"So Cloud, are you fucking our Puppy?" I wrinkled my nose at Genesis' question.
"Yes and don't say it like that, you're making it sound as if I'm doing something inappropriate with an animal. Is there a problem with that?" I said matter of factly. It's not something I was embarrassed about. Zack was so much more to me than anyone would ever understand and I was lucky to have him.
"No, just curious." I snorted at him again. While we all had been talking I managed to brew more coffee and I poured a fresh cup as I spoke to him.
"No you weren't. You already know I'm sleeping with him. What you are doing is either trying to embarrass me or trying to get a rise out of me and neither is going to happen." I held out the cup as Zack shuffled into the kitchen. He was chuckling and rubbing the sleep from his eyes and I knew he heard the exchange. He took the cup and looked over at the table, shaking his head he sat down.
"I should have known you three would be here." He said to his superiors. He looked up at me when I set his plate and fork in front of him. "What's in 'em this time?"
"Chocolate." I said smirking.
"Gaia you're awesome." Those were the last words I heard out of him while he stuffed his face.
"What are your plans today Zack?" Angeal asked him when he finished eating.
Zack looked up at me and I looked back hopefully. "Spar?" His voice tinged with playful exasperation. I nodded. "It's been awhile." And it had been. He died before I did in our last life and I missed sparring with him when there was no immediate threat hanging over our heads. He looked over at the three Firsts. "Would you guys mind if we used the Firsts training room? You guys are the only one who uses it so we'd be able to get some privacy."
Not only did I miss sparring with Zack but I always came back in my 16 year old body. I always needed at least a little time to regain some balance with my own body. I may have my enhancements but this body hadn't built up the muscle yet to be completely useful.
"I don't mind but is there any particular reason you need privacy to spar?" Sephiroth answered for the three of them. Zack looked at me expectantly. I shrugged. "They're going to find out soon anyways." That was becoming a common phrase this time around.
"Come with us and you'll find out." Zack told them as I left the kitchen. I went back to Zack's room and dressed. It was pointless to go to my room and change when I was just going to get sweaty. I grabbed First Tsurugi on my way out and stopped dead in the living room as I had a thought and swore. "Shit, Zack there's a little problem." He come out followed by the three Firsts. The reaction people get the first time they lay eyes on Tsurugi is always pretty amusing.
The three Firsts were no different. "What's wrong Cloud?" Zack asked frowning.
"I can't be seen carrying Tsurugi around; too many questions."
"One of us can carry it if you want." I looked at them all. It would look odd if one of them were carrying two weapons. Genesis had Rapier, Angeal had The Buster Sword and Zack had his broadsword. The great thing about Sephiroth was his ability to call his weapon to him so right now he looked weaponless.
"Sephiroth do you mind carrying him for me?" He raised a single silver brow at me. "Certainly, but how are you even lifting that sword."
"We said you would eventually find out so I'll make you a deal. Keep in mind all the questions you have and tonight after supper I'll answer every single one of them. Deal?" All three thought about it for a moment before acquiescing. Zack left the four of us standing there to go get dressed.
"May I?" Angeal asked pointing at my sword. I held it out, blade point to the floor, for him to take. He took it from my hand and looked at me a little wide eyed. "This is heavier than The Buster Sword, perfectly balanced and excellently crafted." He stated twisting his wrist to get a good look.
"I know," And I did. Not only have I wielded The Buster Sword but I'm the one that designed Tsurugi. He looked up sharply, opened his mouth then closed it again. "I'm sorry. I will honor our agreement."
"Its fine I understand you have a lot of questions right now but this will drag up a lot of bad shit from my past and I just want to forget and have fun while I have the chance. It's extremely complicated and will take a long time to tell you the story." I couldn't help the thread of pleading that entered my voice. If Sephiroth wanted he could order me to tell him, not that I would but that would cause a whole planet full of problems.
None of them said anything. Genesis had been so quiet the whole time I'd forgotten he was there. When I looked at him he just gave me a calculating look. Sephiroth held his hand out and took my sword from Angeal.
Zack came out dressed with his broadsword strapped to his back. He ruffled my hair. "Ready?"
"Yeah, maybe I'll let you win this time." I grinned at him when he laughed.
Sephiroth led the way, Tsurugi propped up on one shoulder, Angeal and Genesis flanked him and Zack and I brought up the rear. When they reached the training room, Sephiroth swiped his key card and we all followed behind. Inside, I took Tsurugi from him with a quick thanks and the three Firsts retreated to a viewing area above the room.
…
Sephiroth watched both youths intently. He was insanely curious about the cadet, for a moment back in Zack's apartment Cloud let everything he was feeling out to be seen and it was like looking at a man who was dying and had seen the end of the planet. As the General he could have demanded answers but that look begged him not to and something in his throat tightened and he couldn't force the words out. So he let it be for the time being, they would get answers soon enough.
Finally Zack stamped his foot impatiently and swore. "Dammit Spikey, why do you always have to do this to me?" The blonde gave a throaty chuckle. "I know you'll get bored eventually. Don't hold back Zack."
"You're going to pay for that cloud."
"I know, looking forward to it." The three Firsts only had a moment to wonder what they were talking about before Zack moved. Then all they could do was gape in disbelief.
Normally Zack was fast but still in the process of learning so his footing tended to be off sometimes. Now he was moving at twice his normal speed and perfectly. The cadet started off somewhat sloppily but smoothed out over time and began pressing Zack back. They stopped for a moment and the three watched curiously.
"Which this time Zack?" Cloud asked his partner. Zack thought for a second. "Vendetta?" The blonde nodded did something to his sword and he was holding a second sword which he tossed to Zack. The sword shifted again and again Cloud was holding another blade, this was a lethal looking one with serrated edges.
"Holy fuck, how did he do that?" Genesis whispered. Sephiroth could only grunt in agreement. It was nothing he'd ever seen before. The battle began in earnest this time and the General was left in awe. So damn fast. How and where did Zack learn to fight with dual blades? His hands curled into fists. He was aching to get in there and join the fight, a challenge that he never had before.
The clash of metal against metal was nearly deafening. They moved in almost the same exact way, their moves a mirror image of the one standing before them. Zack was a little heavier handed and Cloud was the slightest bit faster.
Then he caught the look on the blonde's faces and his breath hitched, caught in his throat. He could acknowledge Cloud was attractive, very pretty for a boy, but with the smile stretching across his face right then...He was beautiful, ethereal in a way. Sunny yellow, sky blue and...Cloud...A divine being brought to life and Gaia did Sephiroth want him but there was something holding him back; not only the obvious relationship with Zack but also the suspicious consequences surrounding the cadet. This cadet appeared out of nowhere with Mako enhanced like strength and a defiance of authority. His eyes darted over to his two best friends and knew his own eyes mirrored the same look that was in theirs. He'd keep his suspicions to himself and just observe for now.
Sephiroth had only looked away for a matter of seconds but when he looked back at the two boys, Cloud was standing over Zack with the larger of his blades at the older boy's throat. "Yield?" Cloud panted out trying to catch his breath. Zack nodded breathing just as hard; both boys were covered in a light sheen of sweat, their hair drooping a little with the heat. It just made the both of them a little more attractive. They made their way down to the training area as Zack was standing. Cloud smiled at them, looking much more relaxed. Then Genesis just had to go be a pervert again or as usual, no one really knew which it was.
"Well now we know who wears the pants in this relationship." The redhead snickered. "Never would have taken you for a bottom Puppy, then again, as enthusiastic and childish as you usually act should have made that obvious." Genesis teased. Zack and Cloud shared an undecipherable look and Zack's whole demeanor changed.
His eyes darkened, His smile turned feral...Predatory and his posture was rigid. Genesis had stopped snickering and was now watching the two silently, curious at the sudden change.
Zack growled Clouds name and the blonde shuddered visibly. They watched the brunette stalked to the blonde. Zack sheathed his sword and sank his free hand into blonde locks. Grasping them tightly, Zack jerked Cloud's head back sharply and the blond let out the most wanton moan. It was enough to affect all three Firsts.
"Look at me." It was said with so much command it had not only Cloud but the three Firsts jerking their eyes to Zack as well. "Knees." Another command that had the blond sinking to the floor gracefully to kneel at Zack's feet. "Good boy." Zack purred to cloud and then devoured the blonde. Zack licked and ate his way into Cloud's mouth, the younger boy whimpering every so often and their audience was captivated, the building could have fallen down around them and none of them would have noticed a thing.
Zack gentled the kiss then pulled away and looked at Genesis. "What do you think Gen."
Genesis smirked, "I think that I've never been happier to be proven wrong and if you don't move yourselves somewhere else we are just going to keep watching."
"Not today Gen," Zack said offhandedly. He looked down at Cloud running his hand through blonde spikes soothingly while Cloud took slow deep breaths to calm himself. Genesis looked at Sephiroth. The General could see the same question in both his friends' eyes. Did he just say we could watch them? Sephiroth nodded, stunned. It wasn't a response any of them were expecting especially the way Zack reacted to Genesis' teasing the day before, but it wasn't an offer any of them would pass up.
Sephiroth guessed that Zack said not today because of the discussion they would need to have later that night so he pushed his arousal away, made a mental note to pursue that line of thought later after they had gotten their answers and asked about the sword instead.
Cloud looked up at Sephiroth and smiled that bright happy smile, excitement lighting up his eyes. "I was wondering which of you would ask first." They watched him crouch down, balancing on the balls of his feet and place the smaller blade flat on the floor. He held his hand out to Zack who gave him the sword he had and he laid that next to the first one. Then they watched him do something completely unexpected. With a flick of his wrist, Cloud twisted the handle on the main blade, they heard the click of a mechanism and then there were five blades lying flat on the floor and the main one still in Cloud's hand.
Cloud pointed to the two blades with serrated edges; "Merciless and Avenger." The next was the one Zack had fought with; "Vendetta." The next two were the shortest of all six blades; "Ascalone and Sidewinder." The two largest ones were left; "Battle Mode, I use that one mainly and this one is hollow; the main blade they all connect to, by itself it's called Vigilante but all together I call it First Tsurugi." He told them proudly.
"It's certainly a beautiful weapon but I have to ask why so many blades if you can only really wield two at a time. Is it a precautionary measure in case you happen to lose your second weapon?" Sephiroth curiously asked.
"No, my Limit is called Omnislash and that allows me the ability to use all 6 at once." The three Firsts watched Cloud's eyes darken and the corners of his mouth turn into a frown. Sephiroth thought back to his question wondering what he might have said wrong. He might be getting a little better at being social thanks to Genesis and Angeal but sometimes he still relapsed and said something that wasn't appropriate or may be offensive. He didn't see what he could have said differently this time though.
Genesis who had been unusually quiet the whole time frowned. He knew that look. It was the same look Sephiroth got when he lost SOLDIERS under his command and could do nothing to save them. It was the look of so much loss. "Legend shall speak of sacrifice at world's end." He said quietly.
Cloud startled a little. Genesis had no clue how close he was to Cloud's thoughts and almost absentmindedly he finished the verse. "The wind sails over the water's surface; quietly, but surely…" All the times Sephiroth fell, flashing before his eyes.
Zack threaded his hand in blonde spikes and tilted Cloud's head back so he had no choice to look at Zack. "Let it go Spike, it's done; all over." Cloud nodded as much as he could with Zack's hand pressing onto his head. He closed his eyes and took a few refreshing breaths trying to push away bad memories.
"My apologies if I've said anything I shouldn't have." Sephiroth told Cloud when he opened his eyes again. The blonde shook his head. "No, I should be sorry I get lost in my head sometimes. I've only ever used that move a handful of times and every time has been part of some of my worst memories. It's not something that you would have known."
Zack slapped Cloud on the back lightly. "We should go shower and get something to eat Spikey."
"Yeah, okay. Just give me a sec." They watched him deftly clip the all the blades back in their place. He stood and held the, once again whole, blade out to Sephiroth. "Do you mind one more time? I know were separating for now but I really can't be seen with it and you can bring it back later when you come for supper."
Sephiroth looked between the sword and its wielder. That was a big sign of trust, letting someone handle a blade like Tsurugi never mind letting them take it from their sight for a couple of hours. Even if there were someone who could handle Masamune, Sephiroth didn't think he could allow it out of his sight; trusted person or not. "Are you certain?"
"Yes, all I ask is you not try to take it apart on your own. The blades will never break but the locking mechanism can be jammed if handled incorrectly and it's a pain in the ass to fix." Sephiroth didn't say anything just took the sword gently from its owner and felt a small burst of pleasure from the trust that the younger boy placed in him.
"Come around my place around 1700 we'll have supper ready." Zack told the three Firsts.
"We will be there Puppy." Angeal told his student. Zack and Cloud said their goodbyes and as they were leaving Cloud patted Sephiroth on the arm and said thanks before leaving the room. The blonde missed the startled look on the General's face. Only three people touched him willingly, that did not count scientist, and having a cadet do it as if they were friends, messed with Sephiroth's head a little. The small boy was definitely unusual and not in a bad way at all.
…
Cloud detoured long enough to grab some clothes from the dorm. Back at Zack's place the two took a shower, separately. As much fun as they had a little while ago, their hearts just weren't into doing anything like that at the moment, worry and stress sat heavily on their minds and they decided to just relax and watch a movie until they had to start cooking. They ate a light lunch and half way through the movie Cloud's head was in Zack's lap with the brunette combing his fingers through sunny spikes soothingly until Cloud was out cold.
An hour before they were due to start cooking there was a knock on the door. Zack looked down to see Cloud hadn't budged and gently fought his way from under his friend. Zack opened the door and motioned for his guests to be quiet and waved for them to follow. On their way to the kitchen Zack noticed Cloud curled up into himself so he pulled the blanket from the back of his couch and placed it over Cloud. He took Tsurugi from Sephiroth and leaned it against the wall next to his sword.
In the kitchen the three SOLDIER sat while Zack puttered about making something for them all to drink. "Zack are you going to explain how and when you learned to dual wield swords?" Angeal asked quietly.
Zack nodded and looked down at the cup in his hand guiltily. "I'm sorry guys, there have been some complications that have come to light and caused us to need to keep some things from you three but we will tell you."
"Well as long as you do plan on telling us." Angeal's voice was quiet and gentle.
"We don't want to but we have no choice and we know that. You guys need to know the truth and we need your help with something but all that can wait just a couple more hours. For now when Cloud wakes up just keep things as light as you can. He's having a hard time and has been through so much." Zack pleaded with them.
"You love him very much don't you Puppy?"
"Of course." Zack snorted. "I thought that much was obvious when I told you he's everything to me."
"I don't understand yours and Cloud relationship. I was under the impression that sex was something very private but what we saw earlier was anything but." Sephiroth said confused. It was the perfect opening for Sephiroth to question their actions from after their spar.
"You know Seph, for a badass you are surprisingly innocent." Zack looked to Genesis, "You haven't explained anything like this to him?"
"Didn't think I needed to. He's never questioned his relationship with me and 'Geal." Genesis shrugged.
"We never advertise what type of relationship we have. People assume and we don't correct them, right or wrong." Sephiroth pointed out and it was true but no one was daring enough to outright ask.
"Well, Seph, it's kind of like Gen and Angeal's relationship. You know how they were together when they met you and then eventually you became part of the relationship? It's like that." Sephiroth nodded understanding a little better.
"So you're willing to add someone else to your relationship." Zack hoped Cloud wouldn't be mad at him for talking about this now but now that the subject was open he couldn't pass up the opportunity to at least hint before things came to a head later. Who knows what's going to happen then and if there was a chance that all three were interested than that was great. He just wanted to see Cloud completely happy, not just content. Not that Cloud was unhappy with Zack, there was just something missing and it was a feeling Zack understood very well.
"Not just any one and possibly more than one, but yes essentially."
"And he's in agreement?"
"Yes otherwise what happened earlier and what was said would never have been."
"Gaia he's so young and innocent Zack." Angeal tried arguing and Zack almost choked on his coffee.
"Cloud, innocent? Don't let his looks fool you. He may look 16 but he's mentally older than us all because of the shit he's been through, even Seph can't compete with him and he's nowhere near as innocent as you think he is." Genesis opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by a shout coming from the living room. Zack swore venomously and jumped up running to Cloud.
When Zack got there Cloud was sitting up with his eyes open but unseeing. He was whimpering in remembered pain and clutching the blankets with a white knuckled intensity. Zack sat on the edge of the couch next to the blonde and cupped his face in both hands. "Cloudy you need to wake up. I'm here okay and you're not there anymore. We're okay buddy but I need you to wake up for me." Slowly Cloud's eyes focused on Zack's face so close to his own.
He was breathing heavily, his eyes glazed and he was still clutching the blanket like it was a lifeline; but he was awake and not living his worst nightmares. Zack kept a firm hold on Cloud's face so he couldn't look around and catch sight of Sephiroth who was standing off to the side with Genesis and Angeal. He wouldn't be able to handle seeing the General in this state so Zack kept him talking until the dream faded.
"Which one Cloudy?"
"First." His voice was raspy and low as if he'd been screaming for hours and Zack knew that in his memories, he had been. Cloud cleared his throat. "It's always the first. Why is it always the fucking first?"
Zack winced in sympathy. Their first life was probably the worst of them all and even Zack still had nightmares about Hojo's lab. "It's not always just the most often but we're not there and never gonna be there again. Come on Cloudy-Kins cheer up we have hungry guests and the ingredients to make your favorite." Zack smiled when Cloud glared at him.
"I put up with a lot of your ridiculous nicknames but if you call me that again I'll dismantle Tsurugi and skewer you with all 6 blades...Slowly."
Zack waggled his eyebrows at Cloud. "I'll let you skewer me Spike." Cloud snorted and shook his head.
"Thanks Zack." Cloud said before getting up and heading into the bathroom. Zack noticed the three SOLDIER's were gone and found them reseated in the kitchen. "Zack?"
He looked at his mentor, "He's fine, I told you he wasn't doing very well and I would appreciate if you wouldn't say anything about seeing him like that." No one said anything when they heard the bathroom door open and Cloud entered the kitchen. He still looked a little ruffled but awake none the less. He waved a greeting to the three sitting around the table as he yawned. "Good evening Cloud. Do you know you are adorable when you sleep? Like a kitten which is perfect since we already have the puppy." Genesis teased.
Cloud met the redhead's grin with an impassive look. "I'll tell you the same thing I told Zack. Ridiculous nicknames will get you impaled with Tsurugi slowly and painfully."
"Now Spike no killing at the dinner table and Genesis he's not like a kitten, he's like a chocobo. Come on chocobo head come help this one is your specialty. Gen be nice, he doesn't take too kindly to being called adorable or cute, even though he is. He might not kill you but he will make it hurt, trust me." Zack said shuddering a little.
"No I'm not and you're just a wimp." Cloud growled now handling a very sharp knife.
"Just because you…" Cloud pointed the knife at his best friend. "I dare you to finish that sentence Zackary Fair." Zack closed his mouth with an audible snap and smirked. "You know it's true."
"Just because it's true doesn't mean you have to say it."
"I'm curious now. What was he going to say little chocobo?" Genesis asked.
Cloud aimed a glare over his shoulder at Genesis, "Nothing," And turned back to chopping vegetables. Zack smiled slyly and sat at the table. He felt only slightly guilty for doing this but they might as well have all the facts up front so he mouthed the whole sentence slowly. Just because you like pain doesn't mean I do. Zack held back his snickers when three pairs of eyes widened comically and then tried to bore holes in Cloud's back.
Sephiroth cleared his throat, not going along with that train of thought yet, "What are you making?"
Cloud dumped the vegetables he had been chopping, into a pot that Zack had already set up for him, put a lid on it and turned. "A stew my mother makes. It's my favorite and I like to make it when I miss her."
"Homesick?" The Silver General asked.
"No absolutely not. I just miss her at times and not much can be done about that until I finish training and get into the SOLDIER program." He shrugged and turned to stir the stew.
What's she like, your mother?" Angeal asked.
"Kind, generous but intolerant toward ignorant people, supportive of my dream to become a SOLDIER even though she really wished I would have done something else with my life." Cloud turned back to the stove. "She was my best friend when I had none. I was not very well like in my village." The memories kept creeping upon him and it was difficult keeping his thoughts off his face. Every life had been hard but Zack was right when he said their first life had been the worst. They had to learn how to deal with excruciating pain, devastating heartbreak and despair to the point they wished for death. It got easier to cope with in every life after that but it wasn't something one got used to.
Cloud turned the stove off and took the pot to set in the middle of the table. Drinks and dishes were passed around. The meal was a friendly affair. Angeal would converse quietly while Zack and Genesis bantered back and forth. Cloud watched them all with a small smile. This is what he wanted and he was determined to make all their lives happier as well as make the planet a better place. He could not...Would not fail.
At one point conversation turned to him and Angeal decided to ask him how his classes were going. "Forget materia and fighters; send the instructors to the battlefield. The PT instructor can yell the enemies to death and the theory instructors can either talk them to sleep or to death whichever comes first." He told them dryly. Genesis and Zack laughed loudly.
"On that note maybe we should arrange a meeting, if you think classes are bad meetings make me want to run myself through with my own sword." Cloud was so startled by Sephiroth making a joke he snorted out a laugh and this was what he was waiting for, a side to the Great General he'd never seen before in all his lives. Hope welled inside him and he smiled brightly.
As the meal passed Zack and Cloud became quieter, shooting glances at each other often. The three older men noticed but said nothing. Then the younger boys were getting up and cleaning the mess around the kitchen. The left the room for a moment and came back fully equipped. "Time to come with us if you want the answers we promised." It was a grim statement from someone usually so cheerful and Sephiroth, Genesis and Angeal rose to follow quietly, understanding the brevity surrounding Cloud and Zack.
Zack and Cloud were tense; Anxiousness mingled with relief. They had no idea how things would go tonight but it was such a relief to finally be able to tell these men, they cared so much for, the truth.
They slunk through the shadows and avoided as many people as was possible and before they knew it, Aerith's church was before them. Cloud and Zack stopped. Zack cupped a hand around the back of Cloud's neck and pulled him close enough to kiss him gently on the temple. "Time to go in, we can't stall anymore Spike." Cloud looked up at Zack, eyes shining with fear and worry. He nodded and kept walking.
