((A/N Okee dokee! Like I said in ch6, the whole Crisis Core dealie has totally gotten me pumped and motivated to work on this shniznozz even more than before. I actually wrote this chapter during Health class at school…. We never do any work XDDD

But I think this chapter is kinda boring, in my opinion of course… but I had to put some Cloud in here all the excitingness I'm DYING to write can't come till later!! I hate fillers with a passion, so I intend not to make any. I hope this doesn't count as one.))

File007-C.L.O.U.D.

"All right, Cadets!" A harsh, gruff voice called out. "That's enough for now. Hit the showers, and don't forget the equipment check tomorrow! All your weapons better be shinier than Sephiroth's hair! Dismissed!"

Panting and sweating, Cloud and several other soldiers-in-training trudged away from the training area. They hardly spoke to each other, exhausted from the day's work. Once Cloud had cleaned up and gotten changed into a fresh uniform, he walked to the elevator. After it had risen to the appropriate level with a soft ding, he stepped out, looking around. Kera was hesitating in front of the adjacent elevator, blinking and smiling up at him.

"Good Day, Cloud-Kun," she said politely with a nod. "Going to see Roxxie-Chan?"

He nodded silently. He simply looked at her plainly, almost as emotionless as Sephiroth but much less intimidating. There was a pause before he decided to say anything.

"Good luck on your mission today." He said kindly before starting off down the hallway she'd evidently just come through from the other way. She thanked him as she disappeared behind the elevator doors, the soft ding ringing again. Cloud stood in front of the door to her and Roxxie's room, hesitating before taking the knob in his hand and raising his knuckles. He knocked and opened the door at the same time.

"Umm, Roxxie-San, it's me, Cloud. I was just wond…er…….ing…."

He froze, his voice faltering as the two shapes disembodied themselves from each other, Roxxie flailing embarrassedly out of Zax's arms, shifting and looking guilty.

"What's up, dude?" Zax said cheerfully, clapping an arm around Cloud's shoulders while Roxxie fumbled her fingers with the tips of her hair sheepishly. Cloud was silent a moment, trying his hardest to ignore the smudge of pink on Zax's face that he knew to be lipgloss.

"… Just wondering if both of you guys wanted to go out to lunch." He said calmly. His sparkling blues eyes looked up at the two of them just as Roxxie hastily wiped her hand across Zax's face to clear away the trace of her smooching.

"Sure, Cloud-Kun," Roxxie said kindly, smiling at him. "It could be fun."

"Yeah, and I'm frikkin hungry!" Zax added with a grin.

Shouldn't be, seeing as you were just feasting on her face, you sneaky—

Zax is my best friend…

He was just now putting moves on Roxxie-San! In her own room!

So? Ignore it. It's not like Roxxie's mine. She's free….

Cloud gave one of his rare faint smiles before they all walked out, heading down to the main entrance.

Once outside, Roxxie and Zax took aside their motorcycles. Man, being a 1st class Soldier was awesome.

"You can ride with me," Roxxie offered, holding out a spare helmet to Cloud. He took it at once, clambering on behind her. Zax laughed openly.

"Isn't the woman supposed to be the one behind?" He taunted. "Or is there something you guys aren't telling me?"

"Yeah, Zax!" Roxxie cried as she revved up her engine loudly. "We're both secret-tranny-lovers!" roaring with laughter, Zax followed after them in the direction to a nearby sector with a decent restaurant. Cloud was incredibly grateful for the helmet he wore covered his bright red face. He flattened his chest against her back warmly as the wind whipped around him. He closed his eyes and held onto him, gently yet snugly. He was like an adorable kitten curling up in the lap of a beloved owner.

She's so comfortable…

All too soon, the ride came to an end, and Cloud was forced to let go. He thanked Roxxie for the helmet and returned it before they headed into the establishment.

Well…..

It was good while it lasted…

Zax's arm had found its way around roxxie's shoulders, and he was murmuring something amusing in her ear. She giggled and shoved him gently as they reached a table, a waiter coming to serve them. Cloud payed close attention to his menu, meal, and drink, not wanting to see the 'teamwork' between the two soldiers developing.

((A/N: UWoo0o0o0o JEALOUSY! I really am not sure if I like the way I'm portraying Cloud. I love writing him to be all shy and vulnerable and stuff, but I don't think jealousy is really his thing. BUT, it's all for the sake of TEH DRAMAZ that will unfold x3 oh, I is so CLEVERZ! Next chapter is full of vulgar, profane words and hintage! YAY!))