Yay woo!!
FINALLY the next chapter.
I got motivated, and was finally able to move past the issues that were bothering me, so I'm glad to finally cough up the goods. XD
SOOOOO, yes, this is chapter four. I had mucho fun writing this. Hope you have as much fun reading it. Yay!
OH, and I have to admit, I kind of 'nicened up' Rufus. Truth is, i really like his style and character, and I just couldn't bear to make him completely hateable. behe.
-usual disclaimers about my lack of owning any of these SQUEENIX characters to play with at my command (and play with them I would -cough-)-
-yaoi warning, rabble rabble rabble, DON'T READ IF YA DON'T LIKEY.-
EMERGENCY UPDATE: Yes, I am the moron who posted chapter five of training here. AGAIN. It was four am, I was tired, and I am an idiot. bahahaha. SOOOOO EMBARRASSED. This is a lesson children. Always be aware and alert when you post your stories, otherwise you will end up looking and feeling like me. :D
--
"You should get a haircut..."
"You should get a stylist or something."
"Doesn't it get in the way of work? Long hair's a bit... girlish?"
"Last time I checked 'Chocobo' wasn't a hair style at all..." Reno replied, raising an eyebrow as Zack scowled. The redhead was nothing less then a pain in the ass. He was just hoping that the day's meeting would be over shortly so he could drag Sephiroth off for lunch and give him a much needed talking to. The longer it carried on, the longer Reno would be standing outside the door waiting for Tseng. The longer he'd have to reassure himself that he hated the redhead, with his self-assured posture and alluring smirk.
"So Fair..." Reno drawled slightly, leaning against the wall as he threw sidelong looks at the Colonel, "How's the blonde?"
Zack felt his eyes flare, anger burning towards Reno, mixed with...
...No... I have no reason at all to be jealous...
"Ask him yourself next time you stalk him..." Zack hissed, Reno's eyes widening as he turned to face the Colonel head on.
"Hey, I told you that I didn't to-"
"You're not very convincing sometimes, Reno..." Zack replied coldly, before his eyes widened in surprise, Reno clutching his wrist.
"I never would have done anything to make you feel like this, yo..." Reno said softly, fingers sliding down to clasp at Zack's own, "Why would I?"
Zack stood for a moment, swallowing hard, as turquoise watched him with curiousity and apparent sincerity. He pulled his hand away, and shook his head, more towards himself then Reno.
"I don't ever question your motives, Reno. You're too hard to figure out..." Zack replied, before picking his bag up off the floor and slinging it over his shoulder.
"Zack..." Reno said softly, Zack turning his face before he could fall into the deathtrap that was his gaze. It was bad enough that he was calling him by first name, let alone suckering him in with those eyes.
"Tell General Sephiroth when he gets out that I'll meet him in his office..." Zack said shortly, before leaving Reno at his post by the door.
--
Shinra wrapped up the meeting, slinging his arm around Rufus as he did so, the blonde smiling softly at the General as he did so.
"And this, my boy!" Shinra cried, "He's the future of Shinra!"
"God help us..." Tseng murmured apparently to himself, and the General resisted the urge to smirk. The others began miling out, until it was only Sephiroth, Tseng and Rufus himself remaining.
"General...?" Rufus said quietly as he approached, Sephiroth catching Tseng smirking from the side of his mouth.
"Yes... Sir?" Sephiroth almost spat the last word out, as Tseng quietly excused himself.
...Damn you Commander...
"I was wondering if I could speak to you about something?" Rufus queried, Sephiroth nodding.
"Of course. What can I help you with?"
"Of course, the latest subject around the company is the death of a SOLDIER first class..." Rufus said softly, Sephiroth nodding in acknowledgment, "Well... I just wanted to offer my condolences on the matter and offer my sympathies and support should you need it..."
"Thank you sir..."
"You need not call me sir. I'm not my father, I do not see myself as better then you..."
"That is a reassuring statement... Rufus..."
The blonde's lips twitched upwards as Sephiroth spoke his name, and nodded.
"Thank you General."
"If I am to call you Rufus, Sir, I would expect you to call me Sephiroth."
"Thank you Sephiroth..." The word rolled off Rufus' tongue with ease, like it was something that the youngster said often, a thought that somewhat uneased the General.
"If you'll excuse me then Rufus..."
"Of course. Thank you for your time, Sephiroth..."
Sephiroth nodded, heading for the door, and allowing Rufus to exit first, Reno and Tseng already waiting.
Sephiroth threw a furtive look at the redhead, who uncharacteristically made no remark in return. The Turk was rarely too far from the presidential heir's side, and Tseng was rarely far from the president's. That is, except for lately. Reno had been apparently tailing Zack and Tseng had been barely out of Private Strife's company. Sephiroth could barely bring himself to think the blonde's name, the image alone that the word produced was an overpowering one. Sephiroth had grown attached to the boy, regardless of the amount of time the pair had spent in eachother's company. In Sephiroth's opinion, it had been far too little. He of course knew of his attraction to the blonde from day one, the pristine blue eyes and gleaming golden hair grasping his attention the moment he lay eyes on him. But as Tseng grew closer to the blonde, Sephiroth came to the realisation that perhaps the attraction went further then lust.
"...Even seeing Tseng place his hands on Cloud..." Sephiroth scowled, "It brings about an angry kind of feeling. But it is poisonous, it is almost feral..."
"Envy, my boy..." Hojo replied airily, "Perhaps you have feelings for the blonde?"
"Beyond lust?" Sephiroth replied, Hojo nodding as he injected the mako into Sephiroth's body.
"...Perhaps... Although it would be most beneficial for you to find a female you are interested in..." Hojo frowned in apparent disappointment, "It would make me pleased if you were to produce children..."
"Good afternoon General..." Reno said finally, "Za... Colonel Fair has asked me to tell you he shall meet you in your office..."
"He requested to meet me here..." Sephiroth replied sharply, suspicion rising. Reno had been one of the only reasons the General had seen tears shed from Zack's usually cheerful eyes, and change the Colonel's personality from upbeat and lively to downcast and cloudy.
...What an ironic use of description...
He had been told of the reasons that the relationship had ended between Reno and Zack, and yet Zack had never once blamed Cloud. Sephiroth had not either, the clear problem being that Reno had appeared to be stalking Cloud rather then engaged in a relationship with him. He had tried on several occassions to contact Zack, but the Colonel had boldly ignored the attempts, and Sephiroth had been pleased. For Zack to cry, the pain must have run deep, and Sephiroth was not one to encourage such behaviour towards his right hand man, let alone his best and possibly only friend.
"He... changed his mind..." Reno replied slowly, Tseng gently guiding the youngster to Rufus's side and nodding at Sephiroth.
"If you'll excuse us General, we all have things we must attend to..." Tseng said coldly, the General eyeing Tseng off suspiciously, Cloud in mind.
...Do not lay a hand on him... I will not be held responsible for my actions should you choose to touch him...
"Of course Commander..." Sephiroth nodded, parting ways as the approached the elevator, "Until tomorrow..."
"Yes General..." Tseng nodded, Rufus staring at Sephiroth, offering a small smile before being ushered away.
--
Reno was scrawling on yet another piece of paper, Rude doing much the same. Although this was a regular occurence for the older Turk, Reno was not driven to work unless bothered by something. Tseng was feeling much the same, although he usually acted in contrast. He sat at his desk, side on to the other two and gazing out the office window. He watched the traffic moving in the nearby streets on the plate and sighed under his breath. He was never left alone in his musings, a particular blonde crossing his thoughts in a continuous loop.
...I'm so sorry Cloud...
"Hey boss?" Rude finally piped up, breaking the thick silence.
"Yes Rude?"
"Aren't you usually heading home to check on Cloud by now?"
"Cloud is... not in my care anymore, Rude."
"Oh? Who's care is he in then?" Reno asked, looking up curiously from his work.
"I believe Colonel Fair is."
"Nope. He said he had no idea where the spikeball disappeared to..."
"...Did he really?" Tseng asked, mustering up enough calm to appear as if this was not alarming news.
"Yeah..." Reno's eyes flicked with the same panic that Tseng's did, Rude not noticing, having already returned to his writing.
"If you'll excuse me boys. Something's come to my attention..."
Reno and Rude nodded in unison, Reno turning his gaze forcefully back to his work.
Tseng headed to Cloud's quarters, and knocked on the door. There was no reply, although the light by the keyhole suggested that someone had in fact occupied the room. He knocked again, and waited, before hearing footsteps heading for the door. It opened slightly, and a flash of blue appeared in the gap between the door, Cloud standing in boxer shorts and a sweat shirt.
"...Yes Commander?" Cloud said quietly, Tseng unable to fight the shame from creeping across his face.
"Cloud... I..." He began, stopping short as he tried to find the correct words. Cloud stood patiently and waited, his eyes focused intently on Tseng's.
"May I come in?" Tseng asked softly, slight embarrassment occuring as he stood in the hallway, the possibility of being overheard greatly increased. Cloud closed the door, and Tseng let out a soft sigh of defeat, before it opened again, Cloud now wearing combat pants and a sweater.
"Come in..." He said quietly, stepping aside as Tseng accepted the offer. Cloud closed the door and moved a pile of clothes off of the chair in his room, leaving room for the Commander to sit.
"Excuse the mess..." He mumbled, clothes and paperwork scattered across the floor. Tseng shook his head slightly, a small smile creeping across his lips.
"No need to worry Cloud, I was much the same... perhaps worse..." Tseng reassured, Cloud offering a soft smile as he sat on his bed.
"How can I help you Commander?" Cloud asked, Tseng feeling his smile slip.
...I'm an idiot and I want to tell you how much I mean that... how much I'm sorry... how much you mean, Cloud...
"I wanted to apologise..." Tseng said simply, Cloud watching with apparent confusion, "I should not have done what I did yesterday... It was irresponsible and I took advantage of a situation that I simply should not have..."
"...What are you talking about? I... I kissed you..." Cloud said, faint blush tinging his cheeks.
"Exactly, cadet. Given current conditions and recent happenings in your life, it was my duty to turn you away, and yet I fell into the moment and broke past my responsibilites in favour of my own wants... I should not and would not ever have done it in normal circumstance, and that's the honest truth..." Tseng explained, Cloud shaking his head.
"You did nothing wrong..."
"But I did, Cloud. You may not see it, but I did..." Tseng urged, and the blonde's eyes clouded, an eery void filling the usually bright sapphire. Tseng turned his gaze away, the sight nothing short of painful.
"Ok..." Cloud said shortly, the tone drawing Tseng's gaze to him. He wished it hadn't. A sadness was haunting the hues of Cloud's eyes as he looked at and directly spoke to Tseng. The Commander watched and waited, the uncertainty in Cloud's eyes letting him know that the blonde had not finished.
"So you regret it...?" Cloud asked. The question was simple in appearance, but it hit Tseng hard, and Cloud noticed.
...Never...
What was Tseng meant to say? Confess to not regretting it and fall victim to the admission that he had lied to Cloud, or say he did and allow Cloud to believe that it had meant nothing to him? Cloud watched him questioningly, although both knew the answer would be hurtful, regardless of the option.
"I see..." Cloud said quietly, standing up and opening the door, "Thank for for your visit, Commander, but I'm afraid I have some studying to catch up on. If you'll excuse me..."
"Cloud..."
"If you'll excuse me Commander..." Cloud repeated, "Please..."
Tseng watched the blonde with a sinking heart. He would have hurt Cloud either way, he should have simply stated the truth.
"Of course..." Tseng said softly, rising to his feet and walking towards the door.
"Cloud?" He paused, the blonde waiting for his further word, "I'd still like you to attend your training tomorrow if you would give me the honour?"
Cloud watched with thoughtful eyes, yet remaining blank faced as he nodded simply.
"Yes... I think I could, Commander..." Cloud replied finally, Tseng nodding in appreciation.
"Thank you Cadet..." He smiled apologetically a final time, as he exited the room, Cloud closing the door behind him.
--
Cloud piled up his cafeteria dish and fell down in a heap at the table. He hadn't eaten since the night before and he was just about ready to pass out if he didn't any time soon. He stabbed his fork into his dish, and raised it to his mouth, before catching a glimpse of colour to his right.
"Strife!" Reno cried suddenly, the blonde strugglig to maintain balance on his seat from the shock.
"Jesus Christ Reno! What do you want?!" Cloud snapped, the redhead moving to take a seat opposite the blonde, plucking a french fry off his plate in the process. He studied the chip for a moment before shoving it in his mouth with a shrug.
"This place'll never change the quality of it's food..."
"It's edible. What do you want, Reno?" Cloud scowled, moving again to eat some of his meal.
"I'm just wondering if you realise yet, yo..."
"Realise what?"
"How much shit you cause just by being yourself..." Reno shrugged, smirking. Cloud placed down his fork with a small sigh and looked up at the redhead.
"What are you on about?"
"You can't... you know, just disappear whenever you feel like it. Like that shit you pulled before?" Reno explained, "How you just went right on ahead and disappeared, ya know?"
"...What?"
"No one had a flying fuck of a clue where you were, yo..." Reno smirked, stuffing his hands in his pockets and leaning casually against the table as he shrugged again.
"You got a few sets of eyes watching you, blondie. You'll be lucky to make it from compound to compound without someone knowing exactly where you are..." Reno continued to smirk, as if he knew something Cloud did not, "It will end up a pain in the ass. Or not. But it's your decision ultimately."
Reno blew a stray strand of hair off his eyes, and tensed slightly, although he wasn't prepared to show it. Cloud watched him curiously, and the redhead shrugged.
"I have some issues with that too, yo..." Reno sighed, as he stretched, leaning back a little, and resisting the urge to turn around. He could feel the glare without having to know who was in the area or what their problem was, and was highly amused with the attention.
"I dunno what you're talking about..." Cloud shrugged, moving to pick up his fork once again. Reno snorted, before watching Cloud with interest. He could understand the physical qualities that drew people to Cloud like moths to the flame, with his pale porcelain skin, large bright blue eyes with feminine lashes and seemingly impossible blonde locks. He was sure that wasn't the most easiest thing to catch with Cloud however. Even Reno had become attached to the blonde by the overwhelming urge to be around him. It wasn't as if he was obsessed with the blonde, or even attracted to him in the slightest. It was simply that Cloud had an air of potential that Reno was drawn to. He had the weirdest feeling that the somewhat quiet blonde was gonna make a big difference to the world and the people in it, and Reno wanted to be around when it happened.
...And once again, the glare... You're gonna pierce a hole through my head if you're not careful...
"Hey blondie, you wanna look over my shoulder and wave or something at your... uh... friend?" Reno snorted, "Just so he knows I'm not like, corrupting you, ya know?"
Reno reached out again and plucked several fries off the blonde's plate as Cloud looked across the hall, his eyes widening slightly. He nodded his head, and Reno smirked, the blonde hurriedly returning his gaze to the plate before him.
"Sephiroth was looking over here..." Cloud said quietly, Reno nodding smugly. The blonde was naieve, that much was clear.
"Well duh. You wonder why..." Reno sighed, reaching for Cloud's plate again, before Cloud glowered, his knife in hand. The redhead pulled his hand away as Cloud started scoffing down as much food as he could.
...You'd think he hadn't eaten in days...
"Ya gonna try chewing that, yo?" Reno teased, Cloud scowling at the Turk.
The blonde seized however, and dropped his cutlery, a stray piece of lettuce dangling from his mouth as he saluted the General, who had once again appeared seemingly from nowhere. Reno snorted, as the General himself gave an icy stare at the redhead, apparently meant to be intimidating. Perhaps it was his arrogance, perhaps it was the fact he was a Turk, perhaps it was the stories Fair had told of the gentler side of Sephiroth, but either way, the intimidation techniques adopted by him had no effect on Reno whatsoever.
"'Sup General?" Reno smirked, Sephiroth's glare intensifying.
"May I have a word with you, Strife?" Sephiroth asked quietly, ignoring the Turk completely. Cloud nodded as he cleaned himself up, standing timidly as Sephiroth waited by Reno's side.
"Ex-cuse me, General..." Reno said, folding his arms, "But I was in the middle of discussing something with my blonde accomplice."
"Reno..." Cloud hissed, Sephiroth watching with curiousity.
"I shall not be long with him, Comrade, if you don't mind..." Sephiroth said flatly, Reno raising his eyebrows.
"Pulling rank, hey? Ok then..." The redhead shrugged, pulling Cloud's plate over and plucking food from it, "But I still need to talk to ya Blondie..."
"Thank you Reno. That will do..." Sephiroth said curtly, gesturing for Cloud to follow him from the cafeteria's confines. Reno pulled his cell phone out and sighed softly, before pushing his speed dial 3 and waiting for an answer.
"Yo... The General just took him..." Reno said simply, as a sigh resounded down the other end.
"Did you get to speak to him?"
"Didn't get the chance, ya know? General prissy pants was glaring at me as soon as I sat my ass down. You'd think I was trying to kidnap the kid.."
"Ok. Thank you Reno. Your efforts are recognised."
"Good to know boss man."
"... Just come back to the office?" Tseng seemed to almost whine, Reno smirking, and taking another bite of one of Cloud's potatoes before heading back to headquarters.
--
Sephiroth stood, watching Cloud as the blonde shifted nervously from one foot to the other. Nobody had told Cloud what he needed to hear, as of yet, and perhaps this was what made the blonde anxious. He possibly was still under the belief that Ryan posed a significant threat to him.
"...So you'd like me to undergo this advanced tactics course... that the newly promoted Colonel's are delivering?" Cloud asked timidly, and Sephiroth nodded.
"Colonel Fair and I decided that you were perfectly capable to undergo the course and believe you have a high amount of potential..." Sephiroth explained, a blush creeping along Cloud's skin as the blonde seemingly supressed a grin.
"Thank you General Sephiroth, sir..." Cloud smiled slightly, Sephiroth unable to resist smirking in return. Cloud, to him, was a delicacy in every sense of the word. Unbeknown to the blonde, Cloud had wormed his way into the General's thoughts on several occassions throughout his day, every day since he had stumbled across the blonde.
"...But I don't think I can."
Sephiroth froze in his thoughts and cocked his eyebrow.
"Excuse me Cloud?"
"I don't think I can... sir..." He repeated quietly, averting his gaze to the ground.
"SOLDIER, I am aware of the events that occured with Colonel Thompson and yourself. I assure you, you are well protected in mine and Colonel Fair's care..." Sephiroth reassured, but Cloud's face was darkening with every statement the General made.
"This is an informal discussion, is it not, General?" Cloud said lowly, Sephiroth's mind being swamped with confusion at the sudden change in the blonde.
"Yes Cloud. Why do you ask?"
"Good... So I don't need to be dismissed. Thank you for your thought, General, but I refuse the course entry..." Cloud nodded politely, before turning and walking from Sephiroth, frozen with confusion and... shock? Nobody ever walked away from him before. Informal or not, he was always the one who determined when the discussion was over. Once again, Cloud had been able to surprise him and go completely against the conventions all the others followed.
...And you have no idea what you do to me...
--
Tseng stood anxiously. He had the sinking feeling, that especially after the discussion Sephiroth undoubtedly had with Cloud, the blonde would not appear. It was all the more likely that his stupid decisions regarding the blonde's emotional welfare contributed to that, sending a pang of guilt through him. He had ensured that there would be no interruptions in this session, having spent the majority of his day rearranging and cramming appointments. As well as this, Reno and Rude had both been sent out on assignment to watch over Rufus. The young heir was planning a night out on the town, and that required no less then three Turk members on guard. Reno had volunteered immediately, always eager for an excuse to hit the club scene. Rude and Michela had both been hand picked and assigned by the president himself, much to the pair's dismay. Neither were very fond of the pub or club scene, and had protested animatedly, even though both were usually silent in their daily routines. Tseng mused at the thought of Michela's unusual compatibility to the bald-headed Turk, and smiled slightly to himself. He knew far more about all of his team members then even they were aware of, and Michela was exactly Rude's 'type'. Not much thought was allowed on the matter, howvere, Cloud appearing through the doorway, Tseng flooding with relief.
"Good evening, Cloud..." Tseng smiled, the blonde smiling weakly in return as he placed his bag on the nearby bench. Something was clearly not right.
"I didn't keep you waiting too long, did I?" Cloud asked distantly, as he began pulling off his sweater.
"No, not at all. You're actually a little early..." tseng smiled, as he too pulled off his coat and began rolling up his shirt sleeves, "Turks particularly favour punctuality."
"So I've heard..." Cloud commented, before looking around the Turk training area for undoubtedly the first time. Tseng smiled softly at the flicker of awe in the blonde's eyes. Hidden behind the awe, however, was a looming shadow of hurt and suffering, which burnt into Tseng's existence and ate at the threads of his own composure. The blue sapphires before him truly were a window to the soul in the very sense of the saying when spoken of with Cloud. Tseng revelled in the fact that Cloud was seemingly a very guarded person in regards to his expression, and yet he was almost completely open in the Commander's presence. Something about that fact warmed the Commander to his very core. Yet, the shadows lurking within Cloud showed a side of the blonde which ached for healing, and Tseng had to physically restrain himself from reaching out and touching the blonde in the hope of providing him with the care he needed.
"This must seem very different to SOLDIER's training hall, yes?" Tseng smiled gently, watching Cloud's eyes soak up the scenery, before turning to Tseng briefly. He flashed a smile, and turned to face the corner of the room.
"Yeah... what's with that little walled area?"
"Stealth training. It's set up to see how effective you are at melding into the surroundings, if you will..." Tseng explained, "We'll get you in there a little later."
Cloud nodded in understanding, surveying the area for a moment longer.
"...So what's happening first?"
"Basic combat I think. Let's pretend I don't know how good you are..." Tseng smirked, Cloud grinning sheepishly, a tinge of pink creeping along his cheeks. It was as if the blonde didn't receive compliments all that often, and this surprised Tseng more then he was willing to show. If he was able to create that alluring blush more often however, he'd be a very self-satisifed man. The looming shadows were still flickering within Cloud's eyes, but he was seemingly pushing them further into his thoughts as their casual talk continued. Tseng smiled softly. This was exactly what he had been hoping for; A relaxed Cloud was a pleasant one.
"so... weapons or hand to hand?" Cloud asked, hand automatically reaxching for the buster.
"Weapons, I think..." Tseng nodded, drawing his EMR and gesturing for Cloud to follow him to the matted area.
...Hand to hand is not a good idea...
Cloud assumed a battle stance almost immediately and waited patiently for further instruction, Tseng reminding himself that this was a friendly spar. He recalled fighting Reno back in the redhead's induction, and breaking the cadet's arm. He didn't ever plan on doing that again.
"You will be attack this round, Cloud. We shall reverse roles on my command. Is that clear?" Tseng asked.
"Yes sir!" Cloud replied, seemingly unable to restrain an eager grin from claiming his face. Tseng resisted the urge to laugh, the lightness Cloud inflicted on him almost overbearing.
"Go!" He cried, Cloud coming towards him in an instant, swinging his sowrd left diagonally, before swinging immediately from the right, both shots blocked with ease by the Turk Commander.
"Diagonal hits are encouraged by SOLDIER for damage, but unless you're General Sephiroth himself, it is a slower attack..." Tseng smiled, as Cloud swung again, "Turks encourage vertical or horizontal strikes. Speed is a valuable weapon."
Cloud struck again, before flicking his wrist and slashing downwards. Tseng managed once again to block the attack, and had he not been the Commander, it may very well have been an unsuspected attack.
"Very good..." Tseng smirked, Cloud returning the favour somewhat deviously. His focus on the Commander was incredible. Tseng hadn't seen such dedicated devotedness since Rude. It continued that way for several minutes. Cloud would swing his sword tacticly, Tseng would block the attack and offer words of advice, before they repeated the process. Tseng called a stop however, Cloud panting slightly as he did so, impressing Tseng further. Cloud had not been placing one hundred percent into his efforts, and yet he had fought exceptionally well.
"How did I go?" Cloud asked casually, a timid smile on his lips. Tseng smiled widely.
"Outstandingly well. I expected no less..." Tseng praised, that slight blush returning to the blonde's pale cheeks, "Are you ready to defend?"
"I've never seen you fight before, Tseng..." Cloud smiled anxiously.
"I'll slow down as much as I can, and I won't use as much force. But..." Tseng gave Cloud a warning smirk, "Turks do not fight like SOLDIERs... I will be astonished if you manage to stay upright..."
"Oh..."
"Don't worry Cloud. Just think quick, and remember that there are completely different rules in play. Expect anything."
Cloud nodded nervously. What the hell had he gotten himself into? He knew Tseng's fighting reputation. He had heard countless remarks about the strngth of the commander, the intelligence behind his attacks, and most commonly, his incredible speed and agility. Even first class SOLDIERs often remarked that Tseng was a force to be reckoned with, and here was Cloud, about to witness it first hand.
"Any time you're ready, Cloud..." Tseng prompted with a gentle smile. His eyes had flashed in that moment, a slight chill creeping though Cloud at the danger lurking within. Cloud nodded simply, clutching his sword as he prepared himself.
"Go!" he cried, Tseng appearing by his side before Cloud could even register the movement, swinging at Cloud full force with a vetical strike. Cloud barely managed to parry and avoid before the next strike fell vertically again.Tseng swung once more, Cloud assuming another vertical assault, before Tseng altered his path in an instant, coming in from the side to attack instead. And attack he did. Cloud had no time to register the attack at all, meaning no time to block, and was struck squarely in his ribs. He fell swiftly to his knees, his breath rushing from his chest and leaving him winded. Tseng offered his hand to the startled blonde, cloud taking it in stunned surprise.
"Great work Cloud, but you are apparently a typical SOLDIER..." Tseng laughed lightly, "Always expecting the expected and nothing more."
tseng flicked his loosely hanging hair over his shoulder, before tying it up swiftly. With his hair up, Tseng's face was no longer hidden behind ebony locks. His flawless tanned skin was shown more clearly, and nearly all of Cloud's focus was locked on the pools of Tseng's eyes. They were committing the act again, where they drew all light from the room and sucked Cloud in with it.
Tseng threw Cloud a concerned and quizzical look, chocolate brown holding Cloud fast.
Are you alright Cloud?" Tseng asked gently, "I didn't hurt you did I?"
"No Sir..." Cloud replied, willing himself to focus on the task at hand, "I just haven't seen your hair up before."
"I usually only keep it up in combat..." Tseng smiled, "Regardless of how ridiculous it looks."
"No! No, that's not it at all..." Cloud scratched his head awkwardly, "It's more like... you know, the complete opposite?"
"Oh? I'll be sure to keep that in mind..." Tseng's smiled softened, "Are you feeling confident enough to continue?"
"You're insanely fast, you know that, right?" Cloud smiled, Tseng smiling in resignation, and letting out a small smile.
"I do apologise, Cloud... I'll have to try harder to lessen my speed a little..."
"It's alright. I like the challenge..." Cloud reassured, "Go!"
The defensive section of Cloud's training continued for what seemed like hours, Tseng knocking the blonde off his feet on countless occassions. Cloud had not expected Tseng to attack with both ends of the EMR, nor did he expect him to kick him squarely in the stomach, or even sweep his feet out from underneath him, but he'd done each of these several times, remaining too quick for Cloud to block him. Tseng helped Cloud off of the floor once again, still smiling softly.
"That will do for today, Cloud..." He laughed lightly again, "I'm not aiming to kill you..."
"Really?" Cloud cried, Tseng continuing to laugh.
"You'd have been dead a long time ago, if that were the case," Tseng smirked, "Come back tomorrow for stealth training?"
"Of course, as long as you don't intend on killing me then..."
"Couldn't if I tried..." Tseng said softly, "I'll see you tomorrow Cloud."
His eyes were fixated on the blonde, and all Cloud could manage was a feeble nod, literally having to tear his gaze from the Commander's.
...Tomorrow it is then...Gods help me...
--
The day had been going far too slowly for Cloud to be comfortable. All throughout theory work sessions, Cloud was mentally rehearsing moves to counter-act Tseng's and effectively block the Commander's blows. If it hadn't been the moves against the Turk which stalked Cloud's conscious, it was the time merely spent with him which plagued the blonde's thoughts. He fought against the warmth that radiated through him at the thought of every embrace Tseng had held him in, in times of need. The blonde fought against the memory of his smell, the enchanting hold of his eyes, the change in the air around him when he laughed. What plagued him the most was the continual memory of Tseng's mouth on his, the feel of gentle fingers in his hair, the rush of breath that brushed against his skin , the burn of unguarded lust and longing in chocolate brown as Cloud had snapped back to reality. Then, the agony of watching panic, regret and sorrow swamp the brown pools as Cloud fled. Cloud hadn't wanted to pull back, but Tseng was a Turk. He was the Turk Commander, of all people. Regardless of his strongly increasing feelings for the Wutain delicacy, he was still bound to SOLDIER, and he could not yet afford to forget that. But... Tseng had kissed back. He hadn't fought the blonde away, he'd tried to pull him closer. If anything, Tseng had seemingly wanted it as much as Cloud had, if not more.
The bell chimed suddenly, snapping Cloud from his musings, and encouraging him to hurriedly pack his equipment before heading for his room. There was approximately an hour or so until his planned session with Tseng. He planned to use the time to try and grasp whatever information he may have missed today from their textbooks.
...Something about ineffective materia combinations?...
He turned the corner to his room and froze, mako unwillingly racing to his eyes in an instant.
"Spike! There you are!" Zack cried, Cloud turning swiftly to the direction from which he had just come. Zack could be heard trotting after him, Cloud increasing his pace.
"Cloud, come on!" Zack sighed as he placed a hand on Cloud's shoulder. Cloud threw off the offending object, Zack letting out yet another sigh, but continuing to follow the blonde up the hallway.
"Cloud, I'm really sorry..." Zack said quietly. Cloud ignored him, making a point to check his watch as he continued to walk, "You know I'd do anything to protect you..."
Cloud stopped, Zack almost walking into the back of him, as the blonde held up a hand, snapping around to face the Colonel. He met eyes with Zack, the Colonel's baby blue's swamped with apparent despair.
"Oh? Is that so?" Cloud said dangerously lowly.
"Yes! Of course! You kn-"
"Does that include going AWOL while I'm being..." Cloud choked on the words, "Going AWOL when I needed you most...?"
Zack froze momentarily, his voice seeming to catch for a second before he continued.
"I saw you with Cooper earlier, and I assumed that-"
"Just because you see things that seem easily explained, it doesn't mean they are... There's a story behind everything, Colonel..." Cloud spat, "Cooper was following me around because he'd gotten a direct order off Ryan not to let me leave, and he wasn't going to disobey that for my sake, was he?"
Zack's mouth fell open slightly, as blue eyes glossed over, Cloud realising that what he said may have hit Zack in more then one way.
"I... I think I may have a habit... of doing that..." Zack said solemnly. The Colonel was apparently lost in thought, and he seemed to be seriously considering the words in which Cloud had provided. Cloud reluctantly felt some of his anger ebbing away, as Zack turned his gaze from Cloud's unable to hold it any longer. It was something that the Colonel had prided himself on, keeping eye contact in any situation, and for him to be failing now...
"I jumped to a conclusion... and I was wrong, clearly... and you ended up getting really hurt by it..." Zack frowned, "I should have asked you what was going on. I should have listened... really listened to what you felt about Ryan, and I should have believed you..."
"Yeah, you should have..." Cloud replied, holding his bitter tone, and yet softening in spite of himself.
"I'm so sorry, Cloud... I really mean it. I love you like a brother, man. You know that right?" Zack said, desperation seeping through his voice.
"I... I'm tired Zack... I'll see you tomorrow?" Cloud said quietly, the mere presence of Zack rekindling his emotions from the recent attack.
"Uh... ok... I'll walk you to your room, hey?"
"I'm just gonna go..."
"I'll walk with You. It's not like it's out of my-"
"See you tomorrow Zack..." Cloud said firmly, the Colonel saying nothing further, as the blonde made it back in silence to his room. He flung open the door and closed it behind him, falling against the wall and sliding to the floor, his eyes staring vacantly out of the window as his mind began to consume him.
--
Tseng smiled warmly as the elevator doors opened, and he moved to step out, Zack stepping in as he did so. The Colonel's face was distant and vague however, and Tseng frowned, holding open the door.
"Colonel..."
"Yes Commander?"
"Have you se-"
"He's in his room..." Zack said flatly, "Or so I presume. I don't think he's planning on leaving..."
His voice was flat and empty, his face expressionless, and Tseng reeled at the resemblence to the General in one of his more sombre moods. Cloud had been over twenty minutes late to training, and it had raised alarm bells once again with the Commander.
"Is he... alright... Colonel?" Tseng asked softly, Zack's eyebrows furrowing.
"I... don't know. Perhaps you're the best one to see him afterall..." Zack mused, as Tseng pulled his foot away, the elevator door sliding closed as Zack disappeared from view. Tseng walked down the familiar hallway and stopped outside the blonde's door. He knocked gently, but when Cloud didn't reply, he slowly opened the door. He stepped inside, spying the blonde propped up against his wall. Pristine blue were once again overcast with darkened shadows of hurt and pain. He closed the door behind him, before kneeling beside the blonde and gently grasping the blonde's chin, forcing Cloud to meet his eyes.
"Cloud..."
"I apologise for my tardiness with training, commander..."
"Don't be. Please Cloud... talk to me..." Tseng urged. Cloud remained silent and expressionless, before turning his eyes from Tseng's gaze, eyes misting slightly.
"You know, it's pathetic for a male to cry so much..." Cloud said softly. Tseng resisted the urge to shake the necessary sense into the blonde, and chose to sigh softly instead.
"You experienced something traumatic Cloud... no one in this room will judge you for tears shed..." Tseng murmured, instinctively wiping said tears from the blonde's face, "You need to speak about this..."
"I can't..." Cloud choked, Tseng pulling the blonde into his arms, as Cloud shuddered silently against him.
"I'm here, cloud..."
"...Why?" Cloud said shakily, "Why do you even care?"
Tseng tensed a little. Such a simple question, and yet the answer was so incredibly complicated. He chose instead to remain silent, running soothing fingers through the blonde's hair, and rubbing reassuring hands up and down the blonde's spine. He sat there and held the tormented soul in his arms for a decent hour, until his sobs had subsided. Even then, Cloud simply rested his head against the Commander's chest for sometime, before gently pushing himself from Tseng's body.
"Are you alright?" Tseng whispered, Cloud nodding as his eyes shone with a renewed energy.
"We're very far behind..." Cloud finally replied, Tseng confused by the statement. Cloud bore a gentle smile and looked towards his feet.
"We ready for stealth training today, sir?" Cloud asked in explanation, seemingly gathering the dignity he feared lost.
"Of course..." Tseng said softly, smiling as he stood and extended a hand for Cloud to take. Cloud reached out and grasped Tseng's hand as the Commander pulled him up, before he began gathering his belongings in an embarrassed silence.
...You need not feel ashamed with me, Cloud... never...
"You cleaned your room?" Tseng said teasingly, as he stood by the door. Cloud smiled softly, sheepishly, and resumed his gathering.
"It got to a point where I couldn't see the floor..." Cloud blushed, and Tseng snorted slightly. Cloud was avery much a young Tseng, too busy and distracted to do anything but drop everything at his feet as soon as he came through the door.
As soon as Cloud was ready, they headed for the training area, Tseng talking the blonde through various Turk's strengths along the way. He chose specifically not to inform Cloud of weaknesses, which the blonde could understand.
"What about Reno and Rude?" Cloud asked, Tseng smiling warmly.
"Each other, mainly. They are very much a team..." Tseng nodded. Cloud reeled slightly.
"Are they... together?" Cloud asked quietly. Tseng snorted and shook his head.
"Gods know... Rude is a lady's man and Reno is borderline obsessed with..." Tseng stopped, shaking his head, "...Reno has only ever had eyes for one, and Rude is certainly not it..."
"Only had eyes for one?" Cloud repeated, Tseng nodding with a faint smile on his lips, "He just doesn't seem like the committed type..."
"He lost eh one he loves through me. His significant other found pictures of an individual I had ordered Reno to take photographs of, in Reno's locker. His background snooping was seen as an obsessive interest in the photograph's occupant, and he left Reno without leaving him the chance of an explanation..." Tseng sighed sadly as he opened the door to the hall, "Reno never once blamed me, but I never forgave myself. Reno's love simply jumped to a false confusion, and Reno was hurt because of it."
Cloud froze, the look in Zack's eyes of a double meaning behind the blonde's words flashing before him.
"Never trust a Turk Cloud, they mess with your head..."
"Reno? Yeah... He's good at what he does I guess. The Turks hey? Lies, deception, blackmail. Same as always."
"Turks will always equal heart ache Cloud, no matter how you want to look at it."
Although Reno had always been nothing short of friendly towards Zack, the colonel had always appeared bitter towards the redhead, treating him repeatedly with a short temper and distrust.
"It's Zack... isn't it?" Cloud asked, Tseng's eyes widening slightly in surprise. He returned to a normal expression before smiling sadly.
"Yes... I'm still not sure if the Colonel is aware..."
"I think he is..." Cloud replied slowly. Tseng smiled again, his head nodding slightly, holding Cloud's gaze for a few moments.
"Then I'm very pleased..." He sighed, before drawing his EMR, "Let's go then..."
Cloud was as capable at stealth as Tseng had expected him to be, not triggering any sensors for the first ten minutes, before he sneezed violently and stumbled, tripping a wire. He had grinned sheepishly as Tseng had untangled him from the wire and reset the course, before returning to his place with a small smirk on his lips. Cloud's goal was to effectively make it past all the booby traps, and come within two metres of Tseng; Close enough for a surprise attack. Cloud had come close twice now, before being gracefully knocked off his feet by the Commander.
"If you're a Turk, there will be times where you have to be a ghost. Not heard, not seen, not even felt. If you can be a ghost to a ghost, you succeed..." Tseng explained, smriking as he stared down at the startled blonde. Cloud had apparently thought he'd made it through soundlessly that time.
"It's impossible!" Cloud cried as he stood up and readjusted his uniform.
"Difficult, not impossible. That's become somewhat of a Turk motto..." Tseng smiled reassuringly as he reset and reprogrammed the simulation once again.
"Maybe I'm not Turk material afterall..." Cloud muttered, Tseng pausing in his actions and fixing questioning eyes on the blonde.
"I don't believe that in the slightest..." Tseng replied firmly. The blonde shurgged a little.
"Don;t you have to master stealth to be a Turk?"
"No, there are several Turks who are highly useful and have never completed their stealth training. Not a single Turk is the same as another..." Tseng reassured, "Take Reno and Rude for example. Reno is exceptionally stealhty and a fantastic fighter, as well as being highly efficient in interrogation. Rude is far less stealthy, and although he can fight well, is a lesser fighter then Reno. Yet despite this, Rude is highly valuable because of his outstanding knowledge of weaponry and technology, as well as his skills in endurance and... paperwork..."
"Paperwork?" Cloud smirked, Tseng nodding.
"Every department in Shinra has paperwork..." Tseng sighed with a smirk, Cloud smiling gently in return. It was something Tseng had learnt quickly with Cloud.
The blonde lacked a self confidence that sometimes needed reassurance, which made Tseng question the blonde's upbringing.Such insecurities usually stemmed from an unsupportive family or bullying as a child. Both options concerned Tseng greatly, and he felt a sudden bloodlust for anyone who ever hurt Cloud. He had broken every rule in his book, and he had fallen hard for the blonde. The mere thought of anyone bringing pain to him, wringing tears from those beautiful eyes, anyone laying unwanted fingers on that perfect, flawless skin...
"Commander?" Cloud asked gently, placing a hesitant hand on Tseng's arm.
...And a simple touch is all it takes...
"Yes Cloud?" Tseng replied, zoning in slowly to register the look of concern on the blonde's face.
"You're eyes are greened..."Cloud said cautiously, "Are you... okay?"
...And losing control of my mako in a civilian area... gods cloud, what you do to me...
"Yes, of course..." Tseng smiled reassuringly, willing the mako from his eyes, "Let's call it a night. you have classes in the morning."
Cloud nodded, still sweeping a questioning gaze over Tseng's face as he gathered his equipment, but the Commander had his barriers up too strongly to show Cloud what he was thinking. Tseng shut down the training system and locked up before accompanying Cloud to the blonde's quarters.
Cloud turned the key in his door lock and sighed softly as his stomach growled loudly.
"Cloud?" Tseng smiled, the blonde turning to face him, "Are you hungry?"
"Not reallly..." Cloud smiled, before blushing when his stomach growled once again.
"Well yeah, I am..." Cloud shrugged, "But the cafteria's closed, and it's nearing curfew time."
Tseng's mind strayed to the thought of taking the blonde out in public, taking the blonde out for a night he deserved, and more importantly, a night which would keep him from his dark thoughts and in Tseng's company.
"Curfew does not apply if you are in an executive's company, I believe..." Tseng smiled gently, "May I take you to dinner?"
A delectable pink blush continued to creep across the blonde's cheeks as he looked up through shielded eyelashes and smiled.
"That's a nice offer, sir, but they won't let me back in the barracks after eleven, and I don't think we'd make it back in time..."
"You may bunk in my quarters and I'll wake you in the morning, if you like?" Tseng persuaded, as Cloud's stomach grew louder, "i would feel horrible if you were sent to bed hungry..."
Cloud stood, seemingly considering the offer seriously. Tseng simply waited with baited breath.
"Thank you Commander... what should I wear?" he nodded, Tseng smiling softly.
"Anything you feel most comfortable in, Cloud..." Tseng reassured, the blonde nodding before disappearing into his room, leaving Tseng in the hall.
Tseng smirked as he hear Cloud talking to himself as he packed his bags.
"Are you alright in there, Cloud?" he called.
"Shit!" came the reply, before the door was flung open to reveal a sheepish Cloud in a pair of blue denim jeans and a dress shirt, "I'm sorry! Come in..."
"Thank you..." Tseng laughed, "It's much warmer in here..."
"I like the heater on of a night time. It gets pretty cold on your own in these quarters.." Cloud mused, abesnt-mindedly searching his drawers. He looked delectable. Tseng could not think of another word. It had been no more then a two minute change job, and yet Tseng was finding it hard to stop salivating. He was literally near the point of drooling at the blonde, eyes lingering ofver the gap in the purple long sleeved shirt where the blonde's neck and chest showed through. The Commander willed the thoughts away with a large amount of effort on his behalf. Luckily, a sudden thought occured to Tseng as Cloud threw several items of clothing over the top bunk.
"Cloud?"
"Hmmm?"
"What ever happened to the cadet who was bunking with you?"
The blonde paused momentarily, before resuming his search through his drawers.
"I really don't get along all too well with them, sir... I'm not very popular..."
"I can't believe that, somehow..." Tseng frowned slightly, Cloud blushing once more. The sight brought an instant smile to Tseng's lips as he continued to watch Cloud pack.
"It doesn't matter all that much anyway, I like my space..." Cloud shrugged, before throwing his pack over his shoulder, smiling reassuringly.
"Ready?" Tseng asked, the blonde nodding as they left the building.
--
A/N: Yayyyyy. lol. It's taken foreverrrrrrrr, but it is here!
Ok, make sure you vote on the poll at my page. :)
Thanks for the continuing support, I love you guys. :D
