Sorry this was quick...got a good start so I just ran with it...
Alright...please keep telling me what you think...it really helps. Thanks to all those who reviewed. Now for some good stuff. Hopefully you will like and for those of you mentioned...the action is coming soon...its long build up. This story is actually a nearly 600 page Rpg so I hope you will stay with me for the rewrite...there is still a lot to do. smiles
So Zack and Cloud you like?? I had 4 people who I would put behind that door...but there could only be one...Snickers
This chapter might be a two parter...we shall see...doing a bit of back tracking see below...
--What The Future Holds-- "With Lust In My Eyes"
((The talk between Liana and Sephiroth took place just before Zack and he went on MISSION. Backing up a bit...before mission and just after first practice and in between the card game with Reno that left Zack passed out before mission--just so the time line works out better. I want to go back and cover Zack's meeting with Sephiroth to explain things a little more. The date scene will be in there too...somewhere...))
--General's Office--
Liana met her brother's gaze. "I know you have to leave...but do hurry back. Who am I supposed to talk to when you are gone?" She questioned half teasing half serious.
Sephiroth smiled and pulled Liana into a hug. "Ah I know just don't hurt anything or anybody..." He said mainly speaking of Rufus Shinra. Not that he cared by why make things worse for the safety of their family. "Oh and could you do me a big favor?"
"Yes what is it?"
"Could you keep Lieutenant Stephens in line...he apparently has a taste for unkind words and action towards a certain new Cadet and since I will gone and will not here to keep things in line I want you to do it. " He said with a lightness in his eyes. "He has gotten a rather big head all the sudden...so you have my full permission to handle him in any manner that you choose." Sephiroth said with a small grin.
"Oh? Well then I promise he won't have to many broken bones when you return." She teased. Sephiroth grinned again and then laughed.
"Liana..." He whined rolling his eyes at her, releasing her from the hug.
"Sephiroth..." She teasingly whined back, mocking him.
He knew his sister well and felt safe leaving his new Cadet...Cloud...Strife...safely in her watch. "Just behave on your date while I am gone...don't do anything I would not do." He teased. Liana gathering up Kadaj grinned back at her brother. Sephiroth gave the boy a light pat on the head and then watched them go.
"Right..." She said. They parted.
After Liana left with Kadaj, Sephiroth, taking only three steps, made his way back around his desk. Sitting down he grabbed a file off his desk and read it. He waited calmly. Zack would be showing up soon, they had things to discuss. Then he would join Zack on their next mission, which pertained to the file he was reading now. Sephiroth frowned as he read. 'Suspected creature/monsters being created using Jenova cells...possible target North by North West on the outskirts of Edge...base sighted...at least 20 men seen leaving a small facility...masked...empty large vases scattered around the base...danger level...medium to high...sightings...only one creature/monster...known to exist so far...' He read. Sephiroth frowned deepened. 'Who would mess with Jenova cells...more so who had access to them outside Shinra...was there the possibility they were being harvested.' He wondered. As he was deep in thought there was a knock at the door. "Come in..."
Sephiroth looked from the file to see the tall raven-haired man enter. "Welcome Zack...come sit down." He said.
"Hey Sephyo." Zack chimed in as he walked over, pulled the chair out, and sat down. Sephiroth made a face at him.
"Do not call me that Zack..." Sephiroth said with a slight amused twitch to his lips. They both knew it had been a joke and that no one else would have gotten away with such a thing...but...only Zack could. They shared a close relationship no so long ago. Sephiroth had lusted for the young boy once they had met when Zack had first arrived at the Academy. They had had a heated relationship for longer then a year and even though they had little time for such interactions now a days, he still cared for the man deeply. Their passion had died down quite a bit but they still remained close friends and when called upon, on either end, would be there for each other without question.
Turning to Zack again he saw the grin upon the man's lips and he himself could not help but fully smile back at him.
"Oh alright..." Zack said waving his hand teasingly at the man before him. "So what did you want to talk to me about?" He asked leaning forward to rest his arms upon the desk.
"Well the mission for one thing." He said tossing Zack the file. Sephiroth then made a bold move. "And about Cloud Strife..."
Zack looked up surprised. "Cloud...what about Cloud?" He asked not able to hide the shock in his face at the curious question. "Is he is some kind of trouble...?"
"No...I just see something in him...so keep an eye on him. I would like for him to start private practices with me as well as you when I am busy." He stated clearing his throat at the end of his comment. He hoped Zack did not see through to his lust filled thoughts of the blond. Zack was usually the type to figure out things and it irked Sephiroth a little that Zack was always able to read him, on most occasions.
Zack gave another surprised mixed with confusion look towards Sephiroth. "I see...you see something in him huh...what that he is a babe magnet. " Zack said merely teasing, but then he noticed something in the man's eyes before him.
Sephiroth's eyes widened in surprise but then he quickly pulled them back to their usual coldness, "Zack..." He said warningly. But the damage had already been done, the man before him picked up on something, he could see it in his eyes, and Sephiroth prepared himself for the full out repercussion of his actions...but...nothing happened...'Odd...' Sephiroth thought. He too noticed the odd look in the younger man's eyes before him. Little did either of them know that they were both starting to have the same feelings for the new blonde Cadet. Sephiroth's gut told him something was up...that maybe Zack had eyes for the blonde. Zack felt the same thing from Sephiroth...but neither said a word. Zack slowly nodded at Sephiroth.
"Of course sir...whatever you say...I will take care of the arrangements." Zack said giving Sephiroth a nod.
Sephiroth frowned inwardly. 'Sir? Zack had not called him sir and in that tone for a while and he only did it when ... when there was a problem...OH? ' Sephiroth thought. 'Maybe there was something going on between he and the new Cadet.' this thought made him frown more...but only time will tell...he would see.
"Very well..." He said nodding. "I have also made arrangements to have a certain new Lieutenant watched just so he does not bother Cadet Strife." Sephiroth added, changing the subject slightly, ignoring the sickening gut feeling he had right now. He wondered if Zack would be jealous if he admitted his affections or desire for the boy...yet if he too had the same desires...where would that leave them...would he risk the friendship he had with Zack over a new fair...? Sephiroth wondered on that but kept his face that same calmness as usual. Zack nodded.
"Yes...thank your Sephiroth...I know he has bothered Cloud...it will ease my worry for him while I am gone." He admitted. Sephiroth returned a nod.
"Yes I figured as much." Then he cleared his throat and rose from his seat. "Well you had better get going...read the file. I know we won't be leaving for another two days but...this mission's going to be different...get some rest." Sephiroth said letting the warmth come into his voice, showing that he still cared for him and hoping to ease the sudden tension between them. Zack took the file and rose from his seat bowing at Sephiroth slightly.
"Of course Sephiroth." He said heading towards the door as cool green eyes followed him. Then turning he made eye contact with the man. "Thank you again Sephiroth..." He said and then left the office. Sephiroth nodded slightly at Zack. That last thank you had been for protecting Cloud...and nothing more...
--At Dinner-Date--
"Well I will have to admit...you do look lovely in black." Rufus said as he opened the door to his private suite and ushered Liana inside with a warm grin. Liana did not smile and once she was inside she removed her mask and cloak and only politely smiled when he took them from her and hung them up. She waited silently next to the door; she really, really did not want to be here. She sighed again keeping in mind that she did this for her son.
Rufus came back and he looked with excited and lustful eyes upon her. She smiled again. "Well you did request that I wear black...this shouldn't be a surprise Rufus." She said in a light somewhat cold tone. He seemed to pick up on that and he frowned back at her. Liana looked at him for a fraction of a second and her insides jumped with a bit of pleasure...she loved to see the harsh disappointment in his eyes. Leaving him she stepped forward more into the room. Gazing around she noted he was well off considering that he was the President's son and she knew that he and his father's relationship was not that strong...at least he still cared for his son, Liana thought.
Rufus quietly came up behind her and abruptly dipped his arms beneath hers and held her waist to him. "What do you think?" He whispered in her ear. Liana jumped and nearly threw up in her mouth at his closeness and it took all she had not to back fist him in the face and pull away. She had to keep it calm...pissing off Rufus Shinra would only hurt her family. For now she would have to deal with him...'Damn' she muttered on the inside.
"Rufus...come on..." She said lightly and stepped forward as she calmly brought her hands to his and untangled them from her. She then stepped forward and turned to face him. His expression was anything but pissed...no it was more wicked…and very unsettling. Liana gasped on the inside but hid it well with a smile. She reached up and brushed a few strands of silvery white hair behind her shoulder and turned her eyes away from him to look around the room again. "It is nice. So what is for dinner?" She asked not seeing him step towards her again. When her eyes turned back to him she found that he was nearly face to face with her. She paused searching her eyes within his. He smiled back at her.
"That does not matter, it will be delicious no matter what...you know the fine cooks we have here at Shinra." Rufus added keeping his eyes on her.
"No I am sorry, I don't, I cook for myself when I get the chance." She said with a small grin and stepped back from him again. He surprised her again when he did not miss a beat and stepped in stride beside her taking her arm. This time Liana just let him take it, for now he was doing her no harm.
"Well aren't you the happy home maker dear?" He said quirking a brow at her.
Liana flashed in a cold look. "And what is that supposed to mean Rufus?"
"Oh only that you would make someone a very lovely wife someday." He said.
Liana paused and turned towards him. "Because I said I cooked on my own?" She questioned.
"No...well yes, but still I think you would make a perfect wife...if..."
"If what...what's all the wife talk about Rufus?"
"Oh nothing...here dinner is almost ready." He said seeing that in the next room the table was being set with the fresh salads he had ordered. He gripped her arm a little more firmer and guided her into the dinning room. Liana was still confused at his statement and wondered what he would have said he finished after the '...if...'
She was more then relieved when he released her arm and pulled out a chair for her. Liana sat and Rufus moved away to sit just at her right. "Well...then, this looks good!" He said with a small nod and smile. Liana nodded back with a polite smile. They ate the remainder of dinner in much the same way, light small talk and such. Then when it was over Liana noticed the time...she needed to get back to Kadaj, he was still with his caretaker and it was late. Even if she had told the woman she would be late...she had not meant this late. Rising from her seat she bowed towards Rufus who immediately rose from his seat and stepped around the table to meet her.
"What is it?" He asked brushing a hand up along her bare harm. Liana flinched and faced him.
"Thank you for a lovely dinner, but I forgot I have business to attend to...I am sorry Rufus...maybe another time." She said in a sweet tone, though it had been a lie, she would rather there never be a next time, but she also knew that there probably would be. Rufus glared at her.
"Dinner is not over...I still had an evening planned for us." He stated his tone a bit harsh as he spoke. This gave Liana a pleasant feeling deep within her, noting that he seemed very displeased at her early leave.
"I am sorry Rufus...but duties as you know always take priority..." She said moving from his touch and walking over to gather her cloak and mask. For a moment Rufus just glared at her, then he stepped forward and gripped her shoulders from behind just before she placed her mask back on.
"Duty may call this time, but the next time make sure you have the whole evening free. I do not want you leaving early again…especially since I put a lot of work into planning a nice evening for us." He said a thickness to his voice that was both haunting and odd. When she turned to face him she saw a different look in her eyes then she had expected. Liana's eyes stared into his seeing lust… there was lust in his eyes, and it chilled her. 'So Sephiroth was right…Rufus did desire her…wanted more from her then just petty little dinners or small outings.' She thought feeling her mouth go dry.
"Rufus…there is still work to do around Shinra, not all of his get the chance or the time to just relax for a whole evening…please understand." She said shaking the creepy thoughts from her mind after seeing the look in his eyes. She pulled away from him and headed towards the door. Pausing she half expected him to challenge her words and move to stop her…but he did not. Looking back she saw him standing there, facing her, but unmoving. He knew she was right about the business of Shinra…but he would never admit it. Liana waited for him to say something, but still he did not.
She pulled the door open. "Thank you for dinner Rufus…" She said softly before she put on the mask. He sighed and nodded.
"Have a good evening Liana…" He said his voice still sounding angry and sending chills down her spin.
Bowing Liana met his gaze just before she pulled the door shut and left. She would have the haunting look and voice of Rufus Shinra in her mind for the rest of the evening. Bitter and angry she cursed him for the effect he had had upon her.
--After Mission--
...Knock...
Both Zack and Cloud panted as they looked at the door. Who could be disturbing them at so early in the afternoon...especially on a Sunday. It was true Zack and Cloud did not have class, and the only thing Cloud had to look forward to was his meeting with the General. Still they rarely had visitors so early especially since most slept in late on their last day off.
...Another knock, a little more forceful...
Zack looked at Cloud, he saw that the boy's cheeks were still very flushed and he wondered if his were, not to mention he still had a raging hard on that he knew could be noticed. "Do I look alright?" Zack asked.
Cloud slowly nodded. "Yeah you're fine..." There was a pause and again another knock, this time even harder then the last. "The door...Zack!" Cloud said sharply again as the raven-haired man atop him still did not more. Cloud reached up and lightly hit the side of Zack's cheek. This seemed to get Zack's attention and he quickly rolled off Cloud, stood, straightened his clothing and walked over to the door. He made one last longing look towards Cloud before he opened the door.
Zack froze in surprise...
"General?" He suddenly said, which caused the blonde on the couch to sit up so quickly you would have thought someone lit fire beneath his body. Clouds breath was so deeply caught in his throat that he coughed loudly just so he could catch his breath properly. Zack looked his way at the sound. There was a small pause then Cloud heard Zack speak again.
"Do you want to come in Sir?" Zack asked.
'There he was with the Sir thing again...' Sephiroth thought. Then he nodded. "Yes thank ... you." He said his words pausing as he saw the still very flustered and red cheeked blonde sitting on the couch. Slowly Sephiroth looked at Zack then back at Cloud. A smiled crept into the back of his mind, but on the outside his face was unwavering and deathly serious. 'He had caught them at something...something he had not expected.' Sephiroth felt a sting in his chest and he knew it was jealousy...but why he felt that way, was the bigger factor in the General's mind. He had not felt jealousy over anyone since Zack...he hadn't needed to...until now. Sephiroth also wondered if part of the feelings of angst he was having was towards the fact that Zack was finding a relationship with someone else besides him. He was not usually a jealous man, mainly because he always had what he wanted. If he were truthful with himself Sephiroth would have to admit he still desired to be with Zack on some level.
"Everything alright Lieutenant?" He asked in a cold but calm tone.
Zack looked to Cloud and saw that the boy still looked flushed if not obviously nervous. "Yes sir, everything is fine...in fact I just arrived from debriefing...you should know that...we only parted 3 hours ago?" Zack said with a light tone.
Even though he smiled, his eyes looked unnervingly tense...Sephiroth noted. He stepped further into the room and stood between Zack and the boy on the couch. Sephiroth looked at Cloud and was pleasantly surprised when the boy met his gaze back. Holding Clouds blue eyed gaze within his he spoke to Zack.
"Yes I know...but you forgot to met with me afterwards...I will need your paper work." He added his eyes still locked with the deep pools of blue before him. 'Fascinating...' He thought sighing in his mind.
Cloud froze when he met the gaze of the General. He couldn't turn away...he was afraid to...something about how those intensely green eyes locked into his told him not to look away...but at the same time they called to him...almost daring him...but in what way...why was the General looking at him like that. Cloud wondered but he wouldn't have time to think any more of it for Zack seeming to notice the tense air between them stepped in. Soon Sephiroth's gaze was blocked with Zack's face as he stepped between them...oh so daringly. Sephiroth blinked refocusing his eyes to look at Zack. Behind them Cloud closed his eyes breathing a sigh of relief as the tension eased slightly.
"General Sephiroth...can't we meet tomorrow? I was going just hang with Cloud this afternoon...order a pizza and watch a movie...I don't know." He said staring into the expressionless face before him. Sephiroth sighed. It was not entirely so important that he have the papers now so he decided to give in to what Zack wanted...he did still have his private meeting with the blonde later that afternoon.
"Accepted...I will see you in the morning then." He said abruptly and then moved back towards the door. Without another word Sephiroth opened the door and left leaving the two roommates to stare at the closed door. Zack shook his head.
"Man I think I pissed him off..." He said turning to look at Cloud who was now slumped against the back of the couch...very relieved at the moment. Zack laughed at Cloud and moved to join him. Being with Cloud seemed to ease the worry about the General and he reached over and ran his finger along the perfect jaw line of Clouds chin.
"You know I meant what I said...I like you Cloud...a lot." He said in a softer tone. This time Cloud didn't hesitate and he turned to smile warmly at the man before him.
"Zack you know your good looking, you could have anyone you wanted..." He said and watched as Zack immediately shook his head.
"Nope...don't want anyone else." He said grinning. Cloud returned the grin and reached over to ruffle Zack's hair. Cloud continued to smile and he didn't argue with the comment made. He let Zack know just by the quick short nod of his head and a warm smile that he was thinking he felt the same way. Then the nerves hit him again and he changed the subject.
"So you really gonna order Pizza...oh please make it all meat lovers." He teased patting his firm flat stomach. Zack chuckled and leaned forward to quickly kissed Cloud on the forehead before he jumped up. Cloud could not help but smile as he suddenly found the man the sudden warmth charming. Though it had taken him by surprise…he should have expected that sort of affection from the man now. Shrugging again Cloud just smiled back.
"Sure buddy...but then you owe me something special later on...after your meeting." Zack said as he walked into the kitchen area with his cell phone to order the pizza. Cloud made a face only half sure of what Zack meant.
--xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx--
(((( Well that's it for now…let me know what you think…I still spell checked it so I hope there are no mistakes…its funny I usually post it then find mistakes….that's frustrating….oh welll…shrugs ))))