A/N: Finally, chapter two! I'd like to thank those who have alerted/favorite-d and especially reviewed this story. I'm still fairly new to this fandom and your support is greatly appreciated. One thing I forgot to mention in the first chapter's Author's Note is where exactly we are in this story (thanks Bunny lol), which is pre-Crisis Core. That being the case, we are assuming Cloud came to Midgar earlier than the timeline says he does, and in this way we get to see more Genesis. Hope that's ok ;-)
Thank you to Chibipinkbunny for helping out on several occasions. And an eternal thanks to my wonderful beta, Cookiecat, for being so patient, inspiring, and downright kick-ass! I hope I never run out of things to tell you how great you are and how fortunate and grateful I am. Hugs!
Disclaimer: Characters are the sole property of Square Enix.
Chapter 2: Gifts
/\^/\^/\
"There are gifts of many treasures, for both the young and old,
From the tiniest little trinkets, to great boxes filled with gold.
But put them all together, and they could not stand in lieu,
Of the greatest gift of all, the gift of knowing you."
/\^/\^/\
Quote taken from: 'The Gift of Knowing You' by aashka thakkur
It was a windowless office with several filing cabinets kept under lock and a couple of swiveling chairs. Carefully stacked papers and manila folders lined most of the sleek, black desk in the center of the room, their labels kept conveniently shielded. A small rug with the Shinra emblem seemed to be the only embellishment save for two plastic begonias. Not an ounce of dust floated above any surface; rather, an air of cleanliness seemed to emanate from each crevice and every corner. But it wasn't the tidiness that caught Zack's attention as he walked into the office.
Lazard, Director of SOLDIER.
Zack was used to accompanying Angeal to such meetings but despite that he had only met with Lazard a couple of times before. In either case, no more than a few words had ever been exchanged between the two.
In spite of the pristine décor, Lazard sat relaxed against the leather chair. Even in his gray suit he seemed casual enough, as if such a high position with Shinra was really no big deal.
"It will just be a few more moments, gentlemen." Lazard spoke. "As soon as Angeal arrives we can get started."
It was then that Zack finally took in the other occupants, standing in front of the desk. He looked at the General curiously, inquiring without words where his mentor was. Before Sephiroth could reply, however—
"Angeal's on his way from Hollander's. You can hang your leash on the doorknob in the meantime," Genesis said snidely.
Zack didn't retort. He was used to spiteful remarks from the auburn-haired Commander, and this one paled in comparison to many others anyway. He raised an eyebrow and smiled brightly in return before making his way over to Sephiroth's other side.
He noticed that Lazard chose to ignore the statement completely. It reminded Zack of his mentor, in a way: Angeal hardly ever commented on the negative relationship between his best friend and his protégé. And negative it surely was, from the very beginning …
Zack forced down the waves of pain shooting through his legs. It was their third training session together and he still couldn't seem to keep up with Angeal's demands.
The doors of the SOLDIER training room were suddenly thrown open, and Zack hastily stood up to salute. His mentor had been somewhat amused with this instinctive reaction, but Zack found there was no harm done in being respectful, even if he was a SOLDIER Third Class now. When he realized just who he was about to meet, however, he stood a little straighter.
Commander Genesis Rhapsodos.
His eyes grew significantly wider as the famous SOLDIER walked casually to Angeal's side. And even though there was nothing directly dangerous-looking about him, Zack could sense that Genesis was a person of great power and capability.
"Can you believe that Shinra brat? I'm up to here with paperwork, and he wants me to just up and escort him to Junon. What are the Turks getting paid for anyway? Last I heard they still worked here, right? Not that I blame him, what better protection than a SOLDIER First Class like mysel—oh." He stopped in mid-rant and his eyes flickered towards the young teen, the first of many reproachful looks, as if Zack had purposefully eavesdropped on a conversation still in the making. "And what do we have here?"
"Genesis, you remember me mentioning my protégé, Zack Fair?"
Zack remained in salute, inwardly ecstatic that his mentor had talked about him to another First. Genesis' next words, however, all but extinguished such thoughts.
"Fair? Fair? It rings a bell but … No, can't say that I do. So, anyway, I'm going to take a quick lunch and was wondering if you—"
Angeal signaled for Zack to ease up and Zack immediately took the opportunity to introduce himself, extending his hand out eagerly.
"Zack Fair, SOLDIER Third Class! The pleasure is all mine, Commander Rhapso—"
But Genesis merely glanced at the younger SOLDIERs hand briefly before turning back to Angeal, ignoring Zack's confused expression. "So, lunch?"
Angeal gave him an apologetic glance and motioned to Zack. "Sorry, Gen, but now's not a good time, we still have—"
Genesis interrupted him, azure eyes narrowing visibly. "I suppose you were serious when you said you had some pet-sitting to do. That's too bad." He turned to give Zack a once over before declaring cruelly. "I do hope you have it house-trained, at least."
Zack's face broke into an expression of hurt and he turned to his mentor for opposition towards Genesis' cold words.
With a disapproving glance in the other First's direction, Angeal stated: "Zack is quite the capable young man, actually. His enthusiasm continues to surprise me. Speaking of which, we must get back to work. Genesis, we can do dinner later if you'd like. Somewhere in Sector seven, maybe?"
Zack's heart welled with relief. He wasn't a burden after all! Though, Genesis' cold glare spoke volumes otherwise.
"Fine. I guess I'll see you then," Genesis returned in a colder tone.
Zack watched as he whirled around and headed towards the exit, the red leather coat flying up as if to further dramatize his disapproval. He hesitantly waved and called out, "Nice to meet you, Commander Rhapsodos!"
"Delightful, Zane."
"Actually it's Zac—"
"Whatever."
Zack frowned to himself with the recollection. Yeah, the beginning of a beautiful relationship, alright.
Why anyone would befriend a person like Genesis would forever remain a mystery to him. In his opinion, the man was just a downright ass.
But he's Angeal's friend …
And 'friend' was putting it lightly. Something about the way they spoke to each other, or understood without speaking at all gave Zack the idea that Angeal and Genesis were very close indeed, though it was a closeness difficult to pinpoint.
Sometimes I wonder if they might be—
"Ah, Angeal, excellent, now we can begin," Lazard sat up straighter.
"I apologize, Hollander took longer than—" Angeal started to say but Lazard quieted him with a raised palm.
Zack looked eagerly towards his mentor, shuffling over to make room beside him. Angeal, however, replied with a mere faint smile and went around to stand beside Genesis instead.
"Gentleman," Lazard began, "I trust you are aware of the strenuous conditions our men have been facing in Wutai once again?" When answered with identical nods, he continued briskly: "The people are beginning to rebel once more and Godo is making no effort towards our attempts at peace. Our troops have been meeting increased opposition and unfortunately the resistance is still rising in strength."
Zack leaned forward. He could guess where this conversation was headed … Maybe he'll send Angeal, and maybe I'll get to go too.
"And so in hopes of quelling this tension, it is the President's wish to send over a SOLDIER First Class as quickly as possible, to alleviate the men and negotiate with Godo. Whoever goes would leave immediately, tonight to be exact, staying as long as it takes to reach some sort of amends."
The SOLDIERs waited, knowing this couldn't be the only dilemma since trouble in Wutai was common knowledge. Lazard sighed heavily before continuing. "Now, our initial plan was to send Sephiroth, however, Godo refuses to associate any treaties of peace with him considering—"
"He can demolish an entire city with the mere toss of his hair?" Genesis inquired with a smirk.
"—past events." Lazard continued. "Given that, it's between Angeal and Genesis, so—"
"I'll do it." Genesis abruptly cut in.
Lazard gave him a pointed look. "I wanted to consult with you all before making a final decision. Genesis, I know your capabilities in negotiating are quite impressive, given your father's political influence and—"
"My father had nothing to do with my negotiation skills." Genesis quickly interjected.
"—your past successes here at Shinra. However, I am also aware of a recent injury you have sustained, quite serious if I recall correct—"
Within a second Genesis was standing upright. "The injury is fine and of no liability, I assure you."
Lazard was silent for a moment before continuing. "Angeal, I trust your negotiation tactics would prove just as successful, and in addition, this mission would be a great experience for your protégé, Zack, correct?"
Before Angeal or Zack could reply, Lazard clasped his hands together and turned to the General. "Sephiroth, what do you think?"
Zack, who had been uncharacteristically quiet throughout the conversation, veered almost fervently towards the General. Sephiroth was a strategist, an analyst, and a logistician. The logical thing would be to send Genesis, given the main initiative was to establish some kind of peace treaty.
But Genesis is hurt, so maybe he'll send Angeal. Please, please, please—
"If I may," Angeal suddenly spoke, an apologetic glance cast Sephiroth's way, "my presence will be required at the ball next week, and Zack will be going as well, so—"
"You have no choice but to send me, Lazard," Genesis finished, with a triumphant grin in Zack's direction. It was no secret the young SOLDIER eagerly awaited the chance of going on more important missions.
Zack's bubble of hope burst. My presence at the ball—what? He immediately protested: "No, wait! I don't have to—"
"Zack." Angeal warned.
Zack fell silent at once. However, he was unable to hide the pout that erupted onto his face, a sharp contrast to his usual grin.
Lazard merely smiled. "Don't worry, Zack, you'll have your chance, I'm sure. So then we are all decided: Genesis will take this mission?"
The lack of any opposition was all the answer he needed, and so Lazard turned towards a smug Genesis. "Very well, Genesis. Pack up and be ready for lift-off in three hour's time. Your pilot will be waiting for you at the airlift. Dismissed."
It was a late Saturday night and the hallways of Shinra Headquarters were empty, save for the elite trio and their up and coming. The dimming lights cast shadows across the linoleum floors and pallid walls, whilst the lack of windows buried any allusion of a clear sky. Not that Shinra employees didn't know any better. Outside the headquarter's walls, Midgar continued to thrive in a greenish-white haze, dulled by a veil of gray that shrouded the city like thick fog.
With the exception of the SOLDIER's footsteps, there was silence. At the end of the hallway waited the elevator that would take them towards the upper levels of the Shinra compound, much more privatized and exclusive than the basement levels left for the infantry. And even though Zack's floor was a couple down below the Firsts, he was ever grateful to be out of the lower divisions. Thirty men sharing a slightly elongated room with only a cot and a tote bag for personal storage space: a grunt's quarters could never be considered 'home.'
Zack looked straight ahead towards the blinking light by the elevator doors, the red flicker repeating a monotonous pattern. It reminded him of the little alarm clock Cloud had hidden between his mattress and the wall—one he'd teased him about on more than one occasion. Because, seriously: who in the army gets an alarm clock anyway? Isn't the wake-up call enough of an annoying loud noise? Zack finally turned a playful grin towards the man beside him.
"So," he began, "why didn't you call me personally? Don't you love me anymore, Angeal?"
Angeal sighed but answered patiently: "I was in a meeting with Hollander at that moment. I'm lucky I got the message myself," he eyed Genesis with a smile, "thanks to Genesis, of course."
Zack turned an inquiring eye towards the auburn-haired man a few feet in front of them.
As if on cue, Genesis responded curtly. "Hollander forgets his place sometimes."
"Genesis, don't forget it was Hollander who aided your inju—"
"Yes, aided my injury …" Genesis muttered. He suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Zack could feel both Angeal and Sephiroth tense, Angeal taking in an almost audible breath and Sephiroth freezing for the slightest instant.
With an abrupt sweep of his coat, Genesis turned to cast Angeal an expression Zack couldn't decipher.
Those silent conversations again … I wonder what this is all about. Would Angeal tell me if I asked?
Genesis absentmindedly grazed his gloved hand over his arm and Zack's thoughts lapsed into a remembrance of the 'injury' the Firsts kept mentioning. He knew there had been an accident, but the how, as well as the severity of it, remained a mystery.
However, he could also tell the topic made Angeal uncomfortable.
"Hey, Angeal, so what about this ball thing?" Zack continued nonchalantly, in hopes of distracting his mentor.
They were walking again, Angeal's face altering from something meaningful and deep to gentle patience. "I should have told you sooner, but since Sephiroth won't be attending this year, President Shinra asked me to take his place, as well as handpick several promising SOLDIERs to go, mostly for show, of course. Naturally, I chose you and—"
"Aw! Thanks, Angeal!" Zack gave his mentor an affectionate punch on the shoulder.
Angeal chuckled, though his thoughts seemed to be nearing the end of the hallway with a flourish of red robes.
Zack didn't notice, however, and continued talking. "Wow, I've never been to a ball before. Do I have to dance? Finally, those decorum classes will come to some use! Oh, and do I need to take a date or anything like that? I don't have any girl I could bring right now but—oh I know! Could you maybe get an invitation for a buddy of mine instead? You know my friend, Cloud, right?"
The familiar name woke Angeal out of his trance and he turned to Zack with a twinkle in his eye. "The one you mentioned yesterday?"
"And the day before? And before that? And every day for the past couple of months?" Genesis drawled on ahead.
Zack countered hastily. "And how would you even know, Genesis?"
Genesis threw him a piercing glance. "Your idiocy is really something you should get diagnosed. Angeal and I have no secrets. How could I not know when this is all you ever talk about?" A look of disgust came over his face as he added: "I don't know why you bother, 'Geal, he's going to give you gray hairs with his lack of intelligence."
Angeal cast Genesis a look but Zack was already responding, a broad grin on his face: "If I were you, I'd worry about my own hair."
Genesis, who had already reached the elevators, visibly tensed and turned around slowly, a defiant gleam in his eyes.
Zack continued louder turning back to Angeal: "Anyway, you should really get a look at this kid sometime, Angeal. He's small but he has the heart of a SOLDIER, I think—"
"Please, Zack," interrupted Genesis, with a sweetly acidic undertone. He turned towards Zack to flaunt an impish grin, a silent warning he was not one to accept insults. "That pretty little thing? I'd say he's only good for two things at most: small uncomfortable spaces, and fuc—
"—Genesis." Angeal cut in with a pointed narrowing of his eyes.
Genesis seemed about to say something else, but again their gazes met. Zack observed curiously as a number of emotions seemed to flash through Genesis' eyes under Angeal's scrutiny, like a meld of colours thrown onto a blank canvas. Genesis azure glare was a cold one, capable of materializing glaciers beneath a burning sun. Yet one blink later suggested something else entirely, reminiscent of a child wavering on the injustice of having his favorite toy taken away from him. And then there was a third expression, completely different, somehow fragile, a sorrowful gaze that almost reminded Zack that Genesis was human after all, with feelings just like everyone else.
For what seemed an eternity they argued silently, a battle Angeal finally won. And surprisingly, his opponent accepted this defeat with a mere smirk and a roll of his shoulders.
"Fine. Let him be fixated, it is of no concern to me."
Fixated? Zack shook his head and turned back to his mentor.
"Zack," Angeal turned his attention to the young Second, "if your friend is worthy of SOLDIER then he should have no problem with the assessments."
Zack didn't look convinced with the response. "Well, I know he is, but sometimes Cloud can be so…" he sighed, unable to finish the thought.
Angeal placed a hand on his protégé's shoulder. "If you're training with him, I have no doubt in my mind the boy will be worth considering."
Sephiroth, who had been silent throughout the entire exchange, suddenly interfered: "You are referring to the infantryman you introduced me to earlier, correct, Zack?"
"Oh, you remembered! Wait till I tell Clo—"
"He was quite small. Angeal, can you honestly justify your words to Zack?"
Zack's face fell. He looked immediately to Angeal for reassurance.
Angeal, however, turned towards Sephiroth. "Anyone can attain what they desire if they embrace their dreams. And with a little bit of help," he briefly winked at Zack, "I stand by what I said before. Cloud should be fine."
Sephiroth was about to counter with another analysis but appeared to think better of it. Even Sephiroth knew there was no arguing against Angeal's famous mantra.
Zack grinned. "Angeal's right. Just you watch, Cloud will get into SOLDIER, I'll make sure of it. The kid's got everything it takes—"
"Yes, I think all of SOLDIER can see that with the parade you're giving him." Genesis cut in abruptly.
"What—"
Genesis gave Zack an exasperated sigh, cutting him off completely. "You just don't see it do you? Never were too bright, I suppose."
Zack stared in bewilderment.
Genesis and Sephiroth stepped into the elevator while Angeal lingered behind to address his protégé. For Angeal, it was painfully obvious how blind Zack was concerning his fascination with his younger friend, but given his own experiences with these kinds of things, he knew it was a revelation the Second would have to discover on his own.
Zack's naïve expression suggested it wasn't going to happen anytime soon, though. Perhaps a hint …
"Zack," he began, as if speaking to a child instead of the sixteen year old SOLDIER Second Class that stood in front of him.
Zack turned to his mentor, the irritation about Genesis' comment still very apparent. It was a clear sign the teen had yet to realize even the direction of his preferences.
But this isn't the time or place for such a talk.
Angeal sighed. "Never mind, I'll see you tomorrow."
"But—"
"Zack."
And there it was. The tone that denied any further argument from making its case, a settlement that sealed the safe and buried the key.
Zack knew better than to protest. He sighed and his shoulders slumped in defeat. "Night, Angeal."
"Goodnight, Zack."
The elevator closed and Zack was left alone in the empty hallway.
Genesis was smiling amusedly as Angeal approached him, his lean figure resting casually against the wooden door to his quarters. Several strands of hair flitted lazily across half of his face, casting tendrils of shadows across an azure gaze.
"You should be packing so you can get some rest before your flight leaves." Angeal said quietly.
Genesis nodded. "You could always help me so it doesn't take that long?" He swept his gloved hand into a graceful arc, extending Angeal an invitation into his living room.
Angeal went in, waiting for Genesis to close the front door before they proceeded to his bedroom down the hall. He watched in silence as Genesis pulled out his Shinra issued duffel bag, tossing it onto the center of his bed and slowly unzipping each compartment. Angeal helped by gathering the set of toiletries he knew were beneath the alarm clock drawer and placing them within reach. He couldn't help but chuckle audibly when Genesis began pulling out random articles from his closet and flinging them over his head, unbothered with whether they landed on the bed or not.
Genesis stopped and turned to peer at his best friend with a mischievous grin. "And what is so funny?"
Angeal leaned over to pick up a black leather boot that had missed the bed by two feet. "You're such a walking paradox, you know that?"
Genesis seemed to realize what Angeal was referring to, eyeing the various items scattered throughout the otherwise tidy room. He gave him a sheepish grin and went around to pick up the other boot. "What's the point in confining myself to perfect circles and squares? I like spontaneous, and besides," he handed Angeal the boot, "organization was never my strong point. That's what I have you for."
Angeal made to whack him playfully across the head but Genesis had already moved away and back to the closet. He scowled teasingly and pointed to his half-empty bag. "Now, now, weren't you here to help me pack?"
Angeal laughed aloud and rolled his eyes. "Of course, Gen, but throwing leather at this rate is surely going to bury me alive."
Genesis threw yet another piece of clothing backwards—which Angeal instinctively reached out and caught, laughing unreservedly. "Shut up, just help me."
They lapsed into a comfortable silence, one they had experienced since their childhood days in Banora. Angeal watched as Genesis sifted through his abundant wardrobe, his eyebrows creasing every now and then when he had to choose between two or more things. He habitually brushed his auburn hair out of his face, a gesture Angeal had grown accustomed to, slender fingers working delicately as they combed between article after article. And even though the room was well-lit, it was just a dull glow compared to the seemingly vibrant light emitting from his eyes.
It was a blissful moment, one Angeal could have remained in forever. Unfortunately, however, Genesis broke it: "So, what are you going to do about your lovesick pup?"
"Genesis, I hardly think your behavior before was appropriate—" Angeal started.
With a customary sweep across the front of his auburn hair, Genesis turned temperate, azure eyes in his friend's direction.
"Angeal," he stated firmly, "as much as I dislike him, I know how important Zack is to you, and I will tell you that it is painfully obvious how infatua—"
"Nonetheless, Gen," Angeal returned, only the slightest sign of retaliation on his stoic expression, "Zack will come to those things when he does, at his own pace. It is not my wish to further burden the boy with—"
"He's sixteen, 'Geal," Genesis interrupted, "and a SOLDIER Second Class. I think it's safe to acknowledge he's no longer a boy."
Well if you put it that way … Angeal frowned.
"And if I'm not mistaken," Genesis continued with a knowing smile, "this Cadet Strife considers him a close friend. Must have a dysfunction for such bad taste," he added, letting the disgust on his face show. Realizing that, he gave Angeal an apologetic shrug. "No offense to you, of course."
Angeal just shook his head. "Don't worry, none taken."
Genesis continued. "And I will admit I don't care much about anything concerning the infantryman, but thanks to you, your obsession with your little protégé, and current events," Genesis paused, reaching out for a Banora apple on his dresser and holding it up as if to make a point, "I do know that Strife cares very much for Zack, and is willing to do just about anything for him."
Angeal remained silent though there was a trickle of a smile on his face with the implied memory. After all, it had been him who had stopped Genesis from sending the blond teen into a coma. The shared memory was short-lived though.
"Think of the good it could do for them, Angeal," Genesis spoke softer, a whisper almost, and just the slightest bit sensual, "what a gift it turned out to be for us."
Angeal doubted Genesis cared what 'good' it could do for them. But he also knew, behind the narcissistic and unfeeling exterior he so lavishly displayed, Genesis was a good person. And perhaps helping Zack realize his feelings for Cloud was indeed a genuine deed, even if Zack would never be able to trace this help back to Genesis.
But Zack and Cloud was suddenly the least of Angeal's problems. Genesis' eyes were no longer glowing softly, but blazing brighter …
Before he even realized it, Angeal closed the gap remaining between himself and Genesis, whose head lifted immediately as the taller man's arms were suddenly wrapped beneath the red coat and around his waist. Their glances met and azure oceans broke into the beginning of a storm, threatening to unleash beyond any remaining boundaries, turning into an abyss of temptation. These were opportune moments, moments limited time and Shinra policy kept them from having as much as they would have liked.
Angeal fought the urge to moisten his suddenly very dry lips, Genesis' but a sheer few inches away.
"Angeal," Genesis spoke softly, those lips, mere centimeters apart now, curving up at the corners into a small but sincere smile, "breathe."
Angeal blinked before finally releasing the intake of air he'd so readily sacrificed for the sake of those wondrous blue eyes. Genesis chuckled lightly, a chaste kiss placed gently on the rougher lips above him before taking a step back.
"Perhaps you're right, why would I grant your little puppy such a joy as ours? The poor thing is so dense he wouldn't know how to appreciate it. I only tolerate him because of you, you know. Lucky for him you mean so much to me."
Angeal placed a hand tenderly against his lover's cheek, cupping it with a gentle caress. He stared momentarily into the dreamlike haze accenting Genesis' beautiful face, his thoughts uncharacteristically out of the fine line he so stringently kept them in. It was after several more breaths that he suddenly remembered the main reason he'd followed Genesis.
"Gen, your injury, it has yet to heal, am I wrong?"
And the moment was lost. An invisible wall suddenly came between them, solid and cold like frozen water. Genesis immediately retracted from Angeal's closeness and delved into his wardrobe. Without meeting his gaze, he answered coolly, "It's fine, Angeal, really. I can hardly feel the pain anymore."
"So there is still pain then?" Angeal remained where Genesis had left him standing. When Genesis refused to answer, much less look at him, he repeated. "Still pain, Gen?"
Genesis threw a pair of uniform pants backwards onto the bed but still said nothing. Angeal folded it neatly and placed it inside the bag. He waited unwearyingly, knowing that it was usually the most important element with his impatient friend.
After some more article-tossing, Genesis came over and folded some shirts in his hands. He took his time in creasing them perfectly and lining each item up accordingly. Still without looking at Angeal, he finally answered: "Would you expect me to stay here and cry over a little scratch?"
"But it's not a little scratch, Gen. Even Sephiroth agrees there's reason to worr—"
"It was just an accident, nothing more," he cut in swiftly.
Angeal took a step forward, his arms rising slightly but ending up back along his sides. Even though he knew Genesis would never admit it, he had to ask, had to see if there was any chance the injury was not as bad as he thought it was. "Genesis, please. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you because of a stupid accident."
This time Genesis turned around completely to face him, their eyes locking. He gave Angeal another smile, small but meaningful, almost pleading, and took Angeal's hands into his own.
"Trust me, Angeal.'"
Angeal felt his eyelids lower in submission. He knew he could never deny his Genesis, no matter how often he stubbornly rebelled against what was good for him. The fact remained that this was the person he loved, would always love.
"I always will, Gen."
Lights out had long passed and Cloud found himself wide awake. Still.
He couldn't believe it. How could Zack get him a gift like this? Where did he get it from? He knew SOLDIERs made a pretty decent salary but this was just too much, especially for someone like … me.
He couldn't take his eyes off of the glistening object in his hands. A sword.
Zack got me a … sword.
True, it was nothing compared to Zack's own, but this one was … mine. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined owning something so magnificent before making it into SOLDIER, he was just a mere infantryman, after all. After the last incident—where two grunts accidentally injured each other whilst fooling around with swords—Heidegger had banned all weaponry usage outside of supervised training among them. And so, infantrymen weren't even allowed to have weapons in their possession—
He suddenly jumped up in alert, hitting his head on the edge of the top bunk. Fortunately his comrade merely shifted in his sleep, too tired to bother complaining. Not that Cloud would have noticed anyway.
I'm not allowed to have this!
Come morning, it would be taken away immediately, no questions asked.
What to do, what to do … Cloud lay still for several moments, pensive with how to avoid having this magnificent parcel taken from him before he even wielded it. And then it hit him.
Zack.
Zack can take care of it for me, just in the meantime …
A glance at his watch told him the majority of the Shinra employees was probably in their quarters. But there were still the guard and security to consider, not to mention the off chance of running into a SOLDIER—officially SOLDIERs had no curfew. They were sure to catch him if he tried …
But what if I don't get caught?
Another glance at his new sword was all it took. The sword that Zack had gotten him.
As silently as he could, Cloud slipped out of bed and made his way towards the door.
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