Disclaimer: Alas, not mine. Think of how much Sephiroth x Cloud goodness I could have stuffed in it…T_T
Chapter 7
Cloud panted, his breaths coming out in white puffs as they condensed in the cold morning air. His heavy and ragged breathing was obvious, and he struggled to regulate it into a steadier pace, even though it was almost painful to ignore the silent urge for more air by his straining lungs.
Feeling slightly dismayed, Cloud squeezed his eyes shut, trying desperately to will more strength into his muscles as he raised his palm to wipe away the sweat around his forehead and cheeks. Even so, his legs kept on moving, unwavering from the pace he had fallen into even if a corner of his mind kept telling him to slow down.
Zack had decided to start off the day's training by following the usual routine morning exercises that cadets follow every single day. He had led Cloud to a secluded training field which was on the direct opposite of where the trainees usually trained. Cloud had never seen it before though, since it was blocked entirely by the large building towering beside it. Zack had explained that it was the SOLDIER's own private area, and that sometimes when he was feeling particularly productive, he would wake up in the early morning for a simple jog.
After completing the basic stretches to warm his body up and also to clear off the drowsiness, Zack had instructed Cloud to jog around the field, and told him that he was allowed to run at his own pace and stop whenever he wanted to. Feeling a tad bit uneasy at being allowed such freedom of choice, Cloud had nodded hesitantly and started his laps.
At first, due to the lack of exercise for these past few weeks, Cloud's body was sluggish and seemed to be protesting to the motions as he started jogging. It was like he was held down by an invisible and heavy weight, and his heart dropped as he tried to regain his usual pace. The first ten minutes were basically like hell, with every part of his joints and muscles putting up a silent riot against his exercise, and Cloud struggled to find a natural pace in which he could achieve optimum speed and yet put the least amount of strain on his knees and legs. Although he had already suspected that his body would need to be accustomed again to the trainings he would need to do, he hadn't really thought that the starting would be so tough, and Cloud felt a pang of disappointment towards himself.
Thankfully, after a few laps, his movements started to smooth out, and although his knees were still wobbly, the adrenaline had kicked in, and he fell into a steady pace in which he was most comfortable with.
In his mind, Cloud had already told himself that he would aim to run the usual number of laps a cadet would be required of, which were normally fifty rounds. Even though Zack had told him to just do what he was capable of, Cloud felt like he needed to do this. He felt as if he must prove something, anything that would assure himself that he was still a cadet and that he was still capable of becoming a SOLDIER.
However, another fifteen minutes later, he began to wonder if it was truly possible.
He was only going into his twenty-eighth round, and his breathing had turned increasingly erratic and difficult to control. His muscle was sore, and his feet numb as he practically ran on willpower itself, not wishing to stop just halfway through his target. Cloud knew he should, but he just didn't want to.
And this brings him back to the present, where he was struggling to keep moving at the same pace even though every fiber of his being was just aching to stop. Yet Cloud kept on, now into his thirtieth round, and acutely feeling the desperate urge to complete his goal.
Zack, who had been watching by the sidelines while sitting on a bench listening to his mp3 player, suddenly called out to Cloud. Stopping, the blonde cadet looked back at Zack, only to find that his mentor was waving him over, a small frown marring his handsome visage.
Wiping his forehead on his sleeve, Cloud took in large gulps of air as he made his way over towards Zack.
Stopping in front of the man, Cloud gave a small yelp as Zack stood up and flicked a finger at his forehead. Rubbing the sore spot with a bewildered look upon his face, Cloud looked up, only to see Zack looking at him with an almost relieved expression upon his face before his hand shot up again and pressed down onto Cloud's sweat damped hair.
Cloud gulped instinctively when he noticed the stern and almost reprimanding glint in Zack's eyes.
"Cloud, you're pushing yourself too hard. Didn't I say that you should stop when it is enough? You should have known better than to push your limits." Zack sighed softly.
Suddenly feeling embarrassingly guilty, Cloud opened his mouth to apologize, but Zack shook his head, cutting off anything he might have wanted to say. "It's fine. I know that you must be anxious, but don't be. Forcing yourself is really not a good way to go about it."
Cloud nodded, knowing that he had been at fault, and feeling even more apologetic now that he knew that Zack had been worried of him.
Albeit reluctantly, Cloud now finally admitted that the whole time while he was recuperating, he had actually been worrying about his future as a cadet. Being a SOLDIER was the only dream that he ever had, and the only thing that he had actually wanted so badly that his whole being practically ached with yearning. As he was brought up in a single parent family, Cloud had long since understood that there were times when one has to make compromises, and also to give up on things they wanted—his mother being the prime example in how she sacrificed her time and being to support their family and giving up on pursuing her own dreams. And Cloud, since he was small, learnt to adapt to lessen his mother's worries. He never complained about the bullying he got or the taunts and jeers aimed at him since he had no father. He also didn't wish for anything for himself, knowing that if he even openly admired something, his mother would try her best to let him have it.
Yet, despite how he managed to keep himself from wanting other things, this ambition of his was the only thing that he couldn't give up on. His peers had called him a fool, and the adults would just shake their heads disapprovingly, since in their minds, any respectable Nibelheim-born child should stay in their own town and work locally. They say that he was aiming for a mere dream, and that dreams would never become reality even though how much he wished so. Even before he had decided to pursue it, his target of becoming a SOLDIER had easily been labeled a subject of sheer improbability and was scorned at by all.
His mother was the only one who stood by him.
She was the one who pushed him forward to the decision to apply for SOLDIER training, and was the unmoving constant which believed in him unwaveringly. And with conviction in her reasoning, she had been able to bring Cloud out of his usual agreeable nature, and made him believe in himself and in something worth pursuing for once in his life.
And the thought itself, which he would fail to accomplish his dreams, was such a devastating notion that the mere idea scared Cloud more than any other thing imaginable. While he did try hard not to dwell on the matter, the time when he spent in the infirmary and in Zack's apartment with nothing better to do than study had actually made him think more about it. It was like the harder he evaded the thought and reassured himself, the more agitated he became.
This negative feeling that he had pent up inside him was most probably the reason why he had willingly forced himself. But when he was faced with the reality of his body being weaker than he had ever imagined, Cloud was hit with a disconcerting feeling, it felt like he had lost something important, and he became over-anxious.
Now, faced with a worried looking Zack, and his body almost trembling with exhaustion, Cloud understood how wrong he had been to succumb to his anxiety and fears. This certain revelation left a hollow space in his heart, and Cloud hung his head, looking down at the concrete floor, his breath still coming out in harsh gasps as he tried to control it, and not daring at all to look at Zack for fear of seeing disappointment in the man's eyes.
Taking note of Cloud's defeated stance, Zack understood that his protégé must be berating himself over and over again in his mind. With a small smile, he reached out and ruffled Cloud's hair, and then slung his arm across the blond's shoulders, pulling the cadet forcefully against his own body.
"You know, a lesson to being a successful SOLDIER: Always, and I mean always, trust your comrades." Cloud's head shot up at the soft spoken statement, and grinning, Zack continued on, "So, my dear young protégé, you should believe in what I say, although," At this, Zack tapped a finger to his chin in a contemplative manner, "you have to trust me either way, since I'm your beloved and brilliant mentor and all that. So you see, you don't really have a choice in this matter."
And then, Zack looked down, and flashed a cocky grin at Cloud.
Wide eyed, Cloud was silent for a moment, before he too smiled back at the man.
"Zack."
"Hmm?" The man replied in a non-committed manner.
"I really am sorry that I didn't stop just now…Even though I knew I should have." Cloud apologized softly.
Smiling at him, Zack declared happily, "Apology accepted." Then hooking his arm even tighter around Cloud's neck, so that they were practically trapped in a semi-hug, Zack said seriously, "And Cloud, trust me when I say this—I do believe that you will become an excellent SOLDIER. Just one step at a time, okay?"
Glancing up at the side of Zack's face, and realizing that the man was not only saying it to reassure him but also because he truly believed in it, Cloud smiled and nodded. With that simple sentence, he felt a strong and gentle warmth course through his entire body, replacing the previous empty feeling gnawing away at his gut.
"Yeah, I think I can believe that." Coughing lightly to clear away the sudden lump in his throat, Cloud blinked a few times, not entirely sure that the blurriness in his eyes was due to the sweat or just tears of happiness.
Patting his head for the last time, Zack released him, and turned over to rummage through his backpack which had been left on the bench while he exercised. Pulling out Cloud's water bottle, Zack threw it over to him, "Now, drink up, it will take the edge off your exhaustion. And I do hope that you're hungry, because I'm starving like mad right now and nothing you say is going to prevent me from hauling you to the cafeteria for a large breakfast." And evaluating Cloud with a swift sweep of his eyes from top to bottom, Zack shook his head disapprovingly, "Really, you should eat more, it would probably help you grow some more."
Unscrewing the cap of his bottle, Cloud scowled at Zack's remarks. "What? I eat plenty enough, and don't even dare compare me to your atrocious eating habits and enormous appetite. Besides, my body is still growing, and the way I look now seems okay enough to me."
Zack chuckled at the indignant tone in Cloud's voice. "Well, you do seem to have a point. And if you grow to be as big as me would be a bad thing too, since I wouldn't want to lose my adorable and cuddly protégé now, right?"
Laughing softly at Zack's ridiculous logic, Cloud merely shook his head before lifting up his bottle to take in large gulps of water. Now that he was drinking, he realized that he was actually very thirsty. Letting out a small sigh of satisfaction when he was done, Cloud lowered down the bottle, and noticed that Zack was looking at him with a small smiled played across his lips.
Feeling unexpectedly refreshed, and knowing that Zack had been right again when he knew that Cloud needed a drink, the blond merely grinned back and tossed the bottle back at his mentor, in which Zack caught easily with one hand. Walking forward until he was standing next to Zack, Cloud bent over and picked up his bag, slinging it over his right shoulder.
And then, his blue eyes sparkling and alive with mischief, Cloud looked up at Zack, meeting the man's own deep blue eyes, and said seriously, "You know, I think I might have spoiled your stomach too much with all my cooking, that's why you feel hungry all the time. Hmm…I wonder, should I stop making them then? It's for your own good after all, so don't you believe you should trust me in this matter?"
With that said, and a small wink thrown in for good measure, Cloud turned and walked away, aiming towards a small, one-storey building by the side where Zack had told him the toilets and shower rooms were located.
Jaw dropping at Cloud's words, Zack blinked a few times before waking up from his stupor. Grabbing his mp3 player and stuffing it in his pocket, Zack strode after Cloud, waving his water bottle as he did so.
"Hey, Cloud, you're just kidding right? You won't actually stop cooking, right?" Zack shouted, his voice almost desperate and downright worried. In front, Cloud chuckled softly, but kept on walking, dismissing what Zack had said with his silence.
Actually, Cloud was immensely glad that Zack had seen through his worries, and had helped to dispel them. And even though Cloud still didn't want to disappoint his mum and Zack, he now knew better than to force himself. With Zack's words, Cloud had regained a lost trust and belief in his own capabilities, and the prior ugly and hidden anxiousness that he harbored were all cleaned away, leaving his mind and heart unbelievably clear and light.
Cloud glanced back over at Zack—the latter was still whining like a lost puppy over his last remark while striding purposely after him. And Cloud laughed; his voice a clear ringing sound travelling through the chilly morning air and across the deserted training field.
Somehow, he had bonded even deeper with Zack, and their relationship felt even more solid and stable to Cloud, and this sense of contentment and being recognized was something which easily brought a smile to his face.
Zack had now caught up to him, and was pulling at his arm like a petulant child. "Cloouud…Promise me you won't stop cooking? I think both Genesis and I will die if you do."
Rolling his eyes, Cloud grinned happily, Zack's silliness was something that was annoying and precious at the same time.
"Fine, fine, I was just joking anyway." Cloud remarked, acting in a relenting manner.
And at the loud whoop of joy from Zack, Cloud couldn't help but laugh again.
Well, our relationship is still as eccentric as ever though. But oh well, I wouldn't change it for the world. Cloud mused silently, and started to join in with Zack to hum a silly and cheerful tune as they made their way to the shower rooms together.
A familiar ringtone jolted Sephiroth out of his meditative state, and eyes snapping open, the general reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his cell phone. Perfectly curved eyebrows knitted into a small frown as he noticed the caller's name, and he stared at the offending object in his palm, almost reluctant to answer the call.
Beside him, the sergeant driving the jeep hesitantly asked, "Sir, pardon me for asking, but aren't you going to answer the call?"
Nodding slowly, Sephiroth inwardly sighed before flipping up the cover and answered in a simple, "What?"
"Oh come on! Not even a single hello for your best friend? Seph, I'm so hurt right now!" Hearing the over loud whining coming from his lieutenant's voice made the silver haired man gripped the phone even tighter.
"Zack, what do you want?" asked Sephiroth with a strangely soft and calm voice.
Somehow, he had a dreadful premonition about the next thing that is about to come out of Zack's mouth, seeing how the man and Genesis had been terrorizing his phone with Zack's frequent chirpy and enthusiastic updates on how his protégé, Strife was doing; and with Genesis' smug and well-intended gloating with pictures and messages on how wonderful Strife's cooking and personality is.
Not to mention how beautiful Cloud Strife is in person too. His mind traitorously supplied with a cheerful and dark voice accompanied by vivid mental images.
On the other end, Zack merely huffed loudly. "Why must you assume that I want something? Can't I just call because I'm such a good friend and that I want to know how you're doing?"
"Zack." Sephiroth stated in his no-nonsense tone.
However, the effect seemed to be lost on his subordinate. "Oh yeah, aren't you coming back today?" Zack asked enthusiastically, and Sephiroth could almost imagine the mock look of surprise upon the man's face.
Even though he wondered about the swift change of topic, Sephiroth decided to follow along and see what Zack was really up to. "Yes. I'm on my way back now. We were delayed slightly since we met with some monsters on the road. I trust that you have been taking care of all the work?"
A non-committal "Mmm.." was all he heard, and Sephiroth had to resist the urge to groan. "Just exactly how much work have you been doing?"
"Well…I could easily say perhaps seventy percent…?"
"Zack…" Sephiroth started with a dangerous edge to his voice.
"Okay, okay! Maybe nearly fifty percent then. Come on Seph, I'm no workaholic like you! I can't possibly do so much by myself anyway. But don't worry; I managed to rope in Angeal to help with the rest if that's some assurance."
"Fine. Now, are you going to tell me the real reason that you called? I trust that it's not because you wanted to tell me about your incredible prowess in work." Beside him, the sergeant cast a surprised look at the general, obviously shocked that the man could be anything besides stoic.
"Ha-ha. Being sarcastic now, are you? Fine, I'll tell you why I called then."
But all Sephiroth heard was silence. "Zack?"
"Okay, okay, wait for it for Gaia's sake!" There was another small moment of pause before Zack started hesitantly, "Well, you see…There's something that I'm supposed to tell you to do, and it is all Genesis' idea by the way, so don't bite off my head when I—"
"Zack, get to the point." Cutting in swiftly, Sephiroth stopped any tirade Zack might launch into.
Another pause and Sephiroth hoped that Zack and Genesis did not have another one of their crazy ideas that they liked to rope him into.
"Fine." Zack inhaled loudly. "Genesis wanted me to tell you that you must come over to my apartment as soon as you reach Midgar since he has something that he wanted to tell you, and don't ask me what because I have absolutely no idea what he wants to say to you!"
This time, Sephiroth did sighed loudly, earning him another odd look from the sergeant beside him. "Pray tell me, why should I go to your apartment for that?"
"Oh come on, what's wrong with my apartment? We always meet there anyway." Now sounding pretty offended, Zack replied indignantly.
Knowing that he had been caught with no good retaliation, Sephiroth hastily replied, "Why is Genesis going to be at your apartment again?"
"Come on Seph, I know that you know that nowadays Genesis and Angeal always come over to my apartment in the evenings, all thanks to Cloud's wonderful cooking." Sephiroth knew instantly that Zack was rolling his eyes at the other end.
He never had any problem dropping into Zack's place every once in a while, and Sephiroth had a nagging suspicion that he knew why he was so reluctant this time.
And as if there was some deity who hated him above, he heard Zack exclaimed a clear, and utterly happy, "Cloud!"
Somehow, the mere syllable stirred something deep in his guts, and Sephiroth gulped instinctively.
From the other end, the suddenly nervous general could vaguely hear a youthful and somewhat weirdly melodious voice say something to Zack, and his lieutenant instantly replied: "Really? You did that for me? Yes! You're the best!"
The cadet replied, his words blurry and indistinguishable, probably because Zack was cupping over his phone, and then Zack was talking to him again, and Sephiroth felt a weird combination of disappointment and relief.
"Anyway, just drop in okay? And oh! If you're reluctant because Cloud would be here, don't be, he probably wouldn't recognize you anyway—Oh, got to go, Cloud made these heavenly blueberry cheese cakes with a chocolate chip base which I absolutely love! Bye then!"
Sephiroth frowned, and was about to retort when the call ended abruptly with a small click.
Flipping the lid back down, Sephiroth stared at his cell phone, a single question left in his mind.
To go, or not to go?
Genesis picked up the plates within reach and stacked them together, all the while motioning for Zack to pick up the rest over at his side. Seeing Cloud was about to help clear out the table, the commander hastily said, "Cloud, it's alright, let us clean up today."
"But—" The blond cadet wanted to protest, but Genesis would have none of it.
"No. Think of it as my thanks for cooking up such a lovely meal for me again. Besides, you must be tired from all the training Zack gave you today, so why don't you get some rest?" With that said, Genesis flashed a gorgeous smile towards the blond.
And like all other times, his charm was once again lost on Zack's young protégé. Cloud didn't even blink as he leaned forward for the glasses on the middle of the table.
Opposite him, Zack sniggered, and Genesis cast a deadly glare upon the man. Damn it, why did Cloud have to be immune to his charms anyway?
"If I may point out, Cloud cooked for all of us, but he made the cake especially for me." Zack said smugly.
"Oh, so what? Do you want me to count out the times Cloud made something I requested? I'm sure I could beat you easily." Genesis retorted, a sneer on his face which surprisingly didn't marred his handsome features at all.
"Watch it. You're forgetting who Cloud's mentor is, have you? And that trumps anything else that you can dish out!" Zack stared back heatedly.
"Um…Guys…" Angeal started, knowing that things might easily get ugly from this point onwards.
Fortunately, Cloud chose this opportune moment to cut in.
"Genesis, Zack, please don't fight. I'll make both of you something that you like for next dinner, is that okay?"
Both SOLDIERs snapped their heads back to look at Cloud, the latter who was now looking at them with a pleading gaze with a decidedly adorable pout upon those lips.
Still, Cloud's blue eyes sparked with sincerity, and both males shook their heads softly. Really, Cloud probably didn't know that he was displaying such a look on his face, which made it even more dangerous for the naïve blond.
"Fine, fine. Anything you say Cloud." Picking up the rest of the dishes, Zack walked towards the kitchen while shouting over his shoulder, "You go and rest Cloud, and we'll clean up everything!"
Genesis nodded in agreement, and said, "Listen to Zack; I think he's worried that he might have overworked you."
"But I'm fine." Cloud said.
"Well, even so, go sit down on the couch and read something while we clean up. It would make Zack happier." Genesis persuaded, ignoring the pointed look from Angeal which stated how he thought about Genesis using such an under-handed excuse.
But however sly the excuse might be, it certainly did the job. Now looking a bit guilty, Cloud hesitantly nodded, "Okay then. If you guys need any help just call for me, okay?"
"Yes, yes, we will. Now hand over those glasses to Angeal, and just go to rest."
Handing over the glasses, and making sure that they were balanced just right, Cloud cast one last glance and made his way to the living room.
After making sure that the cadet was seated and engrossed in a book, Genesis hurried into the kitchen, jerking his head for Angeal to follow him quickly.
Dumping both their loads into the basin, Genesis turned around and leaned against the counter, facing the entranceway directly. Angeal leaned against the refrigerator beside him while Zack, after looking back suspiciously to make sure that Cloud isn't anywhere in the vicinity, crossed his arms and stood in front of Genesis.
"So, how did the day's training went?" Angeal asked seriously.
Thinking for a moment, Zack replied, "It was surprisingly smooth. Although, Cloud did overexerted his body during the morning exercises, but he recovered after breakfast. Then, I took him to a training hall and taught him swordsmanship. He is actually pretty good with a sword, which is slightly surprising."
Genesis ran his hand through his red hair, and said, "Well, he does have a pretty slender and smaller frame, which makes it easier for him to handle the intricate footwork required in swordplay."
"Yeah, that's what I noticed too. And guess what, he seems to carry himself better with a heavier sword." Zack said pointedly.
"Really? Now that's surprising. I wouldn't have guessed. I figured that he would be more of a long sword type, probably like Sephiroth." Genesis mused.
At this, Zack's eyes flickered, and a quick look of anger crossed his face. Both the commanders caught it though. "Actually, I thought the same too. I asked him about it, you know, about why he seemed better at wielding heavier weapons, and he told me that he used to be bullied in his hometown, and the kids would corner him into the mountains, leaving him no option but to pick up branches to fend himself. That's why he's so used to heavier items in his hands; he's practically had hands-on training since he was little."
A thick and heavy coat of silence fell upon them, and after a moment, Angeal finally spoke up, "That's some tough experience. How did he respond when you asked?"
Zack shrugged, "That's the thing, he actually told me openly, with an entirely accepting tone and manner. Never once did he show any negative emotions."
"Isn't that a good thing though?" Genesis asked.
"It's good that he is able to come to terms with his own history, and this shows that he's strong enough to make it through harsh experiences. But Gen, until now he couldn't even tell me about the bullying, not a single word about how he got those injuries and who did them, and it just makes me mad at wondering what exactly happened that he couldn't even get past it!" Zack exclaimed heatedly.
"Shhh!" Genesis hissed fiercely. "Calm down, do you want to bring Cloud in here with your yelling?" After Zack took a deep breath and looked calmer, Genesis continued, "I don't like it either, but aren't you the one who decided not to push him?"
Angeal nodded, "Gen's right, give the boy some more time, pup, he'll tell you when he wants to, and that's for sure."
"I know that, I just can't stand the knowledge of him being hurt intentionally, and he seems to be the kind who is too independent for his own good, which is a stubborn trait which oddly reminds me of Seph." Zack remarked exasperatedly.
"It'll be fine, Zack. Now, are you saying that you think Cloud might be able to wield a Buster Sword? Just like you and me?" Angeal asked while patting Zack's shoulder to comfort his former protégé.
At the question, Zack visibly perked up. "Well, yeah. I seriously think that he might be able to pull it off, despite his size and all."
"Well, don't be too certain first, for all you know he might be even more compatible with other weapons in the end, just train him well in the meantime." Angeal firmly suggested.
Nodding, Zack continued on with his narrative. "We trained until lunch, and then I decided to teach him some useful hand-to-hand combat moves. I started with a few simple defensive and offensive gestures, figured that it would help with the bullying and all. I had originally wanted to teach him on materia wielding, since it would put less strain on his body, but to do that I've got to use a materia training hall, and well, I didn't want to risk Cloud meeting any of his peers yet, so we just mainly trained in the halls reserved especially for us SOLDIERs."
"I agree with that choice. To handle materia one needs serious concentration and control, especially for a mere cadet, it could actually prove to be even more strenuous than imagined." Genesis commented softly.
"But still, how's his overall performance?" Angeal asked.
Zack rolled his eyes, "I knew you would ask that, and I must honestly say that it definitely looks promising. He did surprisingly well, given the state of his body, and even managed to hold off a few of my harsher blows during sword practice. His strength is still noticeably lacking though. But for what he lacks in strength, he compensates pretty well with his speed."
Angeal nodded, "That's good to hear, just don't push him too hard."
Zack scowled. "It's Cloud you should be saying it to though. Seriously, he could be too focused at times and forget about his condition entirely."
Genesis laughed, while Angeal chuckled softly. It was just like Cloud to do something worrying without even noticing it.
Suddenly glancing at his watch, Genesis frowned. "Guess our plan didn't work then. It's almost nine. He doesn't seem to be coming."
Zack shook his head, eyes sparkling mischievously and a small smirk set on his face. "Oh, he will come. How could he resist the perfect reason to finally meet Cloud in person? I think he's just delayed. When I called him, he was still on his way back, probably haven't even reach Midgar yet."
Genesis flashed a devilish grin back at Zack, "You're right. This is the perfect reason isn't it? And he must be feeling loads of pent-up frustration by now, judging by the amount of things we sent him."
Sharing a knowing look, both of them laughed evilly.
Angeal shook his head in disbelief, sighing at their childish antics, even though a small part of him also wanted to see how Sephiroth would react.
"Really, both of you are so screwed when he finds out that you guys have been plotting behind his back—"Angeal muttered, only to stop mid-sentence at the tell tale click of the door handle being pushed.
Zack and Genesis stopped too, their sensitized hearing picking up on the sound clearly. There was then a small pause as the three of them glanced at one another, before they moved simultaneously and rushed out of the kitchen.
The sight that greeted them in the living room was definitely not what they had expected.
Somehow, it seems that despite their devilish planning, one of the key characters in their thought out play had decided to fall asleep on the couch, a mop of blond hair rested on a pillow as his body stretched out across the whole couch. Cloud's legs dangled over the other side of the couch's arm and a book laid spread open on his stomach, still clutched tightly by his right hand.
On his face was a look of utter serenity as he slept soundly, his breathing quiet and calm, and every so often, those long eyelashes would flutter gently against smooth, pale skin, mapping out an intricately tranquil and beautiful picture in Zack's untidy living room.
And towering over him and looking right down at Cloud's sleeping face was none other than the general himself.
Sephiroth's silver hair fell down in cascades over his shoulders as he leant forward to observe the sleeping cadet, and when the three of them came into a room, the man lifted his head slowly, an impenetrable look on his face as he raised a long, slender finger up to his lips in a motion to ask the three of them to be quiet.
And as if entranced by a spell, Genesis, Zack and Angeal complied, moving with practiced stealth and grace as they silently made their way into the living area, and while Zack moved to stand beside Sephiroth, Genesis and Angeal stood behind the couch, making it so that Cloud is surrounded by the four of them.
Yet, oblivious to the fact that he was literally surrounded by four of the world's strongest and most powerful men, Cloud slept on peacefully, unaware that four pair of eyes were staring at him in silent fascination.
Finally, it was Zack who broke the silence. "Glad to see that you came, Seph. I trust you met my protégé?" He whispered with a small, fond smile as he gestured forward at the sleeping blond.
"Indeed." Sephiroth replied, and although it wasn't a whisper, the man's voice was unexpectedly soft, quiet and gentle, causing his three friends' eyes to widen. It was a tone that they had never heard before from the man, mainly because of the obvious warmth in his voice.
Genesis cocked his head and leaning down as if to take a better look at Cloud, asked softly, "So, what shall we do?" He then looked up, meeting Sephiroth directly in the eyes, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that those silver orbs now held a lot more warmth and was practically swirling with emotions. Guessed he and Zack really needn't do much, as it was plain to see that Cloud seems to have easily triggered something within Sephiroth.
Hm, guess Cloud really has an effect on all of us, and he isn't even awake to work his magic on Sephiroth! Genesis resisted the urge to grin—if this was the effect Cloud had over Sephiroth when he is practically unconscious, it would definitely be something to watch when they interact while Cloud is wide awake.
Straightening up, Genesis caught Zack's gaze and shared a fleeting look.
Clearing his throat gently, Zack spoke up, "Seph, would you mind taking Cloud back to his room? It's the one at the end of the hallway."
Sephiroth turned and gave him a stern gaze. The man looked as stoic as ever, but Zack could tell from the firm set of his mouth and his eyes that the general was genuinely surprised.
Ha! Bet you didn't see that one coming! Zack gloated in his mind, but maintained a worried and caring look on the outside. "Don't look at me like that, we all still have to clean up the table and dishes, and when we do, the noise might wake him up. Now, you take him back to his room, while the three of us do the dishes, okay?"
Sephiroth seemed like he was about to protest, but just then, Cloud moaned softly, turning slightly on the couch. Instantly, the four of them stilled, and after they were certain Cloud had gone back to sleep again, Zack whispered hurriedly, "Just do it!"
Sephiroth cast a glance down at Cloud, not even bothering to disguise the faint look of trepidation on his face. With an almost inaudible sigh, the silver haired man bent down on one knee, and taking Cloud's hand with shocking tenderness, gently pried away the book from under it. After setting it down on the coffee table, Sephiroth slowly snaked an arm under Cloud's knees even as another went to cradle his shoulder and head.
On the side, the two commanders and Zack watched on with bated breath.
And in a swift, yet still careful motion, Sephiroth picked Cloud up from the couch effortlessly, silver eyebrows creasing into a slight frown as the man noticed how light the person in his arms was. Cloud made a small voice and turned his head, virtually snuggling into the man's leather coat.
Zack couldn't help but giggle at this, which earned him a hard stare from Sephiroth.
Then, with a turn, he moved towards the hallway; the limp figure of Cloud's sleeping form practically cradled against his chest in a firm and gentle manner.
Finally getting a hold of himself, Zack coughed again and wiped away the tears of mirth from his eyes. "Well, I daresay that our dear general is rather taken by my cute protégé. Gaia, could Cloud look even more innocently delectable than that?"
Genesis snorted. "Rather taken you say? Did you see the way Sephiroth carried him, it totally screamed possessiveness!"
And surprisingly, the usually silent Angeal joined in, "I do believe that Genesis has a point."
Then sharing a look, Zack and Genesis promptly burst out into stifled laughter, and this time, even the normally serious Angeal chuckled along happily.
Gaia, would they definitely forever remember this particular scene for the rest of their lives!
~End Chapter~
~Omake~
Sephiroth padded softly down the hallway, being extremely careful so as to not make too many large movements for fear of waking up the figure in his arms. Reaching Cloud's room, Sephiroth adjusted Cloud's position slightly so that he was supporting the blond on one hand with Cloud's face now buried into the crook of his neck, and Sephiroth felt a small shiver run down his spine as he felt Cloud's steady, hot breath ghosting over the surface of his skin.
Taking in a small breath, Sephiroth opened the door with his free hand, and swiftly carried Cloud into his room. Crossing his way over until he stood beside the bed, Sephiroth was alarmed to realize that he didn't want the blond to leave his arms.
Finally looking down, Sephiroth drank in every detail of Cloud's face and figure like a parched man lost on a scorching desert.
He honestly didn't expect that his first meeting with Zack's protégé would be like this, but then again, he should have suspected that the blond would not make it easy for him with everything that he had heard from his friends. Somehow, this gave him a strange feeling of fondness for Cloud, and Sephiroth smiled softly.
Cloud Strife might not have planned out to sleep on the night that Sephiroth finally decided to meet him, but the unpredictability that he experienced now was enough to piqued Sephiroth's interest even more. Much more so now that he could feel the warmth of Cloud's body against his, and the general once again wondered what it was about this particular cadet which makes him special.
With much reluctance, Sephiroth lifted the covers and gently put Cloud onto his bed. He then pulled up the comforter, making sure to cover Cloud completely. But while his hands were moving, never once did Sephiroth take his eyes off Cloud's face.
Engrossed in what he saw, Sephiroth reached forward and gently brushed away a few strands of blond hair on Cloud's forehead, and the man felt a deep sense of satisfaction in discovering that the cadet's hair really was as soft as it looked.
If the Cloud he saw in the picture was one of untamable and wild beauty, the one he witness now was one of an ethereal and magnetic allure. But even so, in both cases, Sephiroth could vividly feel the pure and innocent aura which seems to surround Cloud, and he couldn't help but be strangely intoxicated by it.
Raising his hand again, Sephiroth gently ran a finger down Cloud's smooth cheek, and beneath him, Cloud instinctively leaned into Sephiroth's touch, a soft whimper escaping those full and rosy lips.
As though waken from a trance, Sephiroth pulled back his hand as if he was scorched, and with a last lingering look upon the slumbering figure, he turned and walked out of the room, his coat making a soft brushing sound as he did so.
Closing the door with equal gentleness, Sephiroth leaned against it and closed his eyes, rethinking and savoring the moment of having Cloud in his arms.
Cloud Strife, you really are as beautiful as I had imagined, but what is with these emotions that I keep feeling around you? And yet we both remain strangers to the other…
Eyes snapping open, Sephiroth pushed himself off the door and walked back towards the living room, his face now pulled back into a perfectly composed state.
…Well, perhaps not for long though.
~End Omake~
A/N: Finally, finally an update…! And Seph gets to meet Cloud in this chapter~(even though Cloud doesn't know it yet…O_O) Anyway, hope you guys like this chapter~! It is 2 a.m in the morning my time now, and my head is positively killing me…So I must go and rest, until next time then~! XD
Again, please read and review! They totally make my day~ And thanks again for all those wonderful people who kept reviewing and also to those who added me their alerts and faves~! I couldn't be more grateful~!
