So, thanks for reading, my usual gratitude applies, as always! Reviews are super appreciated, and I'm taking everything suggested into account! ^.^
Don't be alarmed...but I'm not going to ramble! Feels like I've been building up to this one forever (sorry, maybe it did get drawn out a bit)- time to just dive in and see how it goes!
Chapter Ten
Cloud stared at Commander Fair, feeling a bit strange about the silence that had lingered between them since the rest of the class had been dismissed. His gut had told him not to smile, but it was almost a nervous reaction to the tension in the air as they eyed one another. To his surprise, Zack had matched his awkward smile, gesturing for the cadet to stand across from him on the training mat. Cloud obliged, getting his training sword ready for whatever this one-on-one would entail.
Zack seemed to be settling on a training sword as well, setting his actual sword on the rack as he took his position. "I'm surprised Gen's not here. When I told him I was gonna ask you to do this, I think his exact words were-" He paused, running a hand through his hair as he chuckled. "Well, some things shouldn't be repeated. I'm sure you can imagine the kinda thing he'd say."
The cadet could guess, and the thought of Genesis saying something weird to Zack flustered him to an irrational degree- more than it did when Genesis made comments directly to him. The situation was odd enough without the added stress, and he could only hope Zack knew he didn't echo whatever Genesis had said. Or at least not in the same words- there was no denying the odd pull he was already feeling in Zack's presence. He cursed himself for allowing it, almost wishing he had followed his instincts and cancelled. How was he supposed to do anything when he had so many conflicting thoughts? At least he was managing to keep the silly expression off his face this time, though it was taking more effort than he'd have liked.
"Relax," Zack said, his tone oddly reassuring. "I know how he is. I'd rather hear those kinds of jokes than some of the other things going around lately."
The blond nodded his head, not exactly sure what the commander meant, but relieved nonetheless. He'd have to remember to give Genesis a piece of his mind when he returned…granted his mentor would probably just laugh at him, it would still feel nice to vent his grievances. "He's actually gone or I'm sure he'd be testing out his Turk skills."
Zack arched an eyebrow. "Turk skills?"
"Yeah, you probably don't wanna know. I pretty sure even I don't wanna know."
"I get the feeling you're right," Zack agreed, shaking his head with amusement. "Where'd he go? He's not on some fan club retreat again, is he?"
Fan club…retreat? Cloud tried not to laugh at the idea of this, but couldn't help it. He'd met more than enough of Genesis' fans, and could only imagine what a 'retreat' would be like with that group of people. "He's just on assignment."
"Oh yeah?" Zack seemed genuinely surprised by this, frowning after a moment. "Usually he checks in before leaving…he's supposed to be babysitting me for Angeal."
"Oh?" It was Cloud's turn to be surprised. Since when did SOLDIERs need babysitters? "I think it was kinda last minute, so maybe he didn't have time."
"Lucky for him I'm not a kid, I guess," Zack said, shrugging as he began doing a few warm up swings. "Is he doing anything exciting?"
Cloud hesitated. Lying didn't seem right, and he wasn't good at it…but Genesis had been very careful to tell him in such a way that no one would overhear. The memory alone made his face red, and the way Zack was staring at him so curiously wasn't helping. "Something about an urgent package pick up in Rocket Town. 1st Class hands only."
The swings ceased immediately. "A package pick up? Gen would never accept a-" He cut himself off, a flash of realization appearing on his face. "Oh. Rocket Town."
The cadet answered the question in the SOLDIER's eyes with a nod, hoping he wouldn't be asked to clarify. Technically he wasn't supposed to know the truth, let alone be telling others…Judging by the disappointed expression on Zack's face, no explanation was necessary. He knew exactly where Genesis had really gone.
"I can't believe he didn't tell me. I haven't been able to get any calls through to Rocket Town in weeks now," Zack muttered, letting out a long sigh. The cadet couldn't help feeling a tad bit childish- he missed his mentor, and the eccentric SOLDIER hadn't even been gone for 6 hours. It was hard to imagine how Zack must have felt with Angeal gone for so long. When disappointment turned into frustration though, his empathy became a secondary concern. He knew that look, and it wasn't the best timing for it to appear on his instructor's face. "Let's just get started. Go ahead, come at me!"
The concern was already present, and Cloud found himself stepping back. "Um, maybe-"
"I'll just defend for a bit," Zack assured him, though his clipped tone had the opposite effect.
The commander was rightfully upset, and his irritation wasn't directed at the cadet this time. That was the thought he held onto as he lunged forward, pushing all his nerves aside with a decisive swing. To his relief, the commander seemed more at ease as he deflected, his expression relaxing further as he dodged the next series of blows. Once it became clear that Zack's emotions weren't going to impact their training, Cloud tried to focus a bit more...That was when he realized he wasn't sure what he was doing.
He knew he wouldn't do any better against Zack than he did against Genesis, but they hadn't really discussed anything before beginning. His strikes were varied and scattered despite the energy he tried to put behind them, and he couldn't help feeling a bit directionless. There were too many options, and he wasn't sure how to narrow them down- in class, they were always focusing on a specific tactic or style. With Genesis, it was similar- they worked on various techniques, but each suited toward his strengths.
He didn't even know where to begin with Zack. It occurred to him that he'd never actually seen Zack in combat- just doing various demonstrations of the techniques in class. All he really knew was what he heard; the man's combat prowess was on its own level, distinct from most SOLDIERs. Was he supposed to be doing things he learned in class for this lesson? It seemed like a safe guess, and so he tried to stick with the most recent attacks they had covered. Even after narrowing down his strategy though, he wasn't doing much better. Something about being alone with Zack was very distracting- it was easier to do these moves when he was being ignored by the man.
Zack seemed to notice the cadet faltering, his gaze appraising every movement. "I've seen you do better than this in class. C'mon, don't hold back!" A few more flimsy strikes and Zack was holding up a hand to stop the next advance. "Just half an hour ago you were disarming three of my best cadets, and now…Are you tired? Nervous?"
Cloud didn't try to hide his disheartened expression. "I don't know what to expect from you or-"
"I don't fight the way we're covering in class, Cloud," the commander told him, seeming to understand the confusion. "Those are mostly basic stances and strikes. I don't even know why you're trying those right now- Gen must have shown you something more specialized." The cadet nodded his head, mentally berating himself for not utilizing his best skills. He needed his common sense back- he couldn't afford to ruin this opportunity just because Zack's stare left him preoccupied. "Don't worry about it so much. Do what you've been practicing with him and we can adjust later if it's not working. This is just warm up."
Cloud nodded his head skeptically as he adjusted his stance. At least Zack was being relatively understanding...He took a deep breath, reeling in his focus. There was time to turn this situation around. He'd never fought this way with anyone other than his mentor; it'd be interesting to try it against a new opponent. Most of the training program curriculum relied on brute strength it seemed, and that wasn't something he'd ever be able to use outside the classroom. He had only managed to excel in class still because the other cadets weren't good at it reading his quicker movements. The style Genesis taught him used that speed to his advantage…but his quick reflexes and maneuverability wouldn't be enough against Zack, even if he used a flurry of attacks.
He had to remind himself that winning wasn't the goal- it never was with Genesis, and it didn't need to be with Zack either. This was about learning and practice. Zack offered a nod when Cloud stood ready, and the cadet quickly made his new advance. It felt much more fluid than his original attempts, though Zack was still able to deflect every strike effortlessly. At least his instructor didn't seem as amused as Genesis- instead he seemed to be studying the cadet, cataloging his every movement for when it was time to strike back. The thought that he'd actually be forced to defend was exhilarating and nerve-racking all at once. Usually he could dodge without even needing his sword in class now, so it would almost be an entirely new experience.
"What's with you and Gen, anyway?" Zack asked, his tone too casual as he sidestepped the oncoming cadet.
At first Cloud was internally grumbling about SOLDIERs and their insistence on chatting while they were being attacked...but then he realized what the commander had asked. The words hit him mid-swing, and he automatically came to an abrupt halt. The sudden momentum change forced him to stumble, and after he regained his balance he worked on his composure. People were bound to start asking these questions, but he had expected most SOLDIERs would go directly to Genesis. Particularly Zack, who knew him so well.
There was still a chance he had misunderstood the question. "What do you mean?"
"I'd assume it's mostly just rumors, but some of my friends've seen you together in the gym. They were telling me some weird things. About this morning in particular."
He could feel his heart racing anxiously, but he was helpless to stop it. Genesis had been particularly touchy, and to an observer it would seem odd. To him though, his mentor was getting ready to leave town and needed to get a week's worth of embarrassment out of his cadet in one morning. He wasn't sure how he was supposed to explain, really. Honesty was the obvious answer, but he didn't want to seem too defensive about it either. "It's just training, nothing weird."
"You don't see him outside of training?"
The suspicious tone added to his discomfort, but he tried to continue answering anyway- he didn't want to annoy the commander when they were finally trying to 'fix things'. They had almost had a good conversation before the lesson started- this one didn't have to be weird.
"We train, he walks me to my first class, and sometimes he pops up for dinner in the cafeteria if he's bored," the cadet said, hoping that would be sufficient. Meeting Zack's eyes again was a mistake though- he couldn't help but feel compelled to elaborate, even without being prompted. "You know how he is. What he sees as pat on the back, other people see as-"
"As exactly what it is…inappropriate," Zack said pointedly, the serious expression not suiting his face.
Cloud could feel the heat in his cheeks as he nodded. There was no denying how or why it was perceived that way, even if that wasn't how he personally interpreted it. "It's not like that though. He's just joking around."
"Gen's one of my favorite people, but I don't see how Seph thought it was a good idea to pair him with a cadet."
The SOLDIER seemed legitimately concerned, but that didn't make it any easier to hear. It would have felt better if he were the one being doubted, not Genesis…There'd have to be a way to make the commander understand.
"He's the best thing that's happened to me since joining this program. Without him I'd have nothing. I'd be the runt in the corner again."
The stern expression on the SOLDIER's face softened a bit, but he didn't seem swayed by the cadet's candid words. "I'm sure he'd still train with you, even without the full mentor benefits. That'd probably be for the best- you don't know what you're getting into! The rumors now will be nothing compared to-"
"As long as I know they aren't true, it's fine."
"Really? You're the most easily flustered kid I've ever met. You'd be living with Gen if he's your mentor. If he's willing to give you a pat on the back in public, what do you think he'd try behind closed doors? And even if he didn't, what do you think people will assume?"
His face was red again at the implication, and there was nothing he could do to stop it. "He wouldn't. And it'd be worth the rumors if it meant staying with him," Cloud insisted, growing anxious at the idea of losing his mentor over something so absurd. It was starting to feel more like an interrogation than conversation, and he didn't like it. Zack didn't appear to believe any of his assertions, so he spouted off the question he had been biting back before he could stop himself. "Did anything happen with you and Commander Hewley?"
When Zack arched an eyebrow, he knew he had gone too far. After their previous conversations it had been pretty clear Commander Hewley was a sore subject, but it still seemed worthwhile to draw the comparison- his desire to defend the situation had no boundaries. There was something particularly unsettling about Zack believing that something would happen.
"No, but everyone still thought something was going on. And Angeal's the most hands-off guy around this place! Genesis is-"
"It's not different," the boy insisted. The darkening expression on Zack's face was a warning to stop, but he ignored it willingly. It was too important to be clear. "Half the fun for Gen is making sure the things he does are public. It's part of the show for him. I bet he'll be bored with me by the time I'm living with him."
"I think you underestimate the effect you have on him." He wouldn't even look at the cadet as he spoke, instead fixating on the sword in his hand. Cloud wanted him to look up again, more than anything- if he couldn't convince the commander with words, he'd at least be able to do it with eye contact. If he could just let Zack see the foolish look he'd been holding back...the commander would be annoyed by it, but at least he'd know there was no reason to think anything would happen with Genesis. "He used to tease me too, but it's worse with you. And some of the things people are saying...Even things that sound normal aren't normal for him. He doesn't hug people, or-"
"He's going to be my mentor!" the cadet interjected, astounded even 'normal' behavior was being drawn into this discussion. "What's he supposed to do when I'm stressed out?"
"Exactly what he does with everyone else! Crack a joke and then tell you to figure it out on your own." Zack finally looked up, though he still refused to meet the cadet's gaze. "You're just..."
"Just what?" Cloud pressed, too aware they were treading a thin line.
He couldn't let it go. He wanted the commander to see how absurd his 'concerns' were, and then he wanted to ask why he cared at all. This conversation had gone far beyond the realm of a casual chat between two people who had barely ever spoken- two people who barely seemed to get along.
Zack seemed torn, and after a moment he let out a deep sigh. "It doesn't matter."
Yes it does. "He's your friend. How can you think-"
"Let's just get this over with." The SOLDIER raised his blade decisively, and his entire demeanor changed. Any sense of friendliness or concern were gone from the room, replaced by an overwhelming tension. "I'm gonna fight back this time. Speak up if it's too much, or if you have questions."
The cadet raised his sword as well, taking his stance again despite the nagging feeling in his heart. There was still more to say, but clearly the conversation wasn't going anywhere. Time would prove his point, and the impending attack seemed to be a more pressing concern.
Their blades clashed before he realized they were starting, and his eyes grew wide as he felt the force of the blow. It was distinctly more powerful than anything he had experienced with the other cadets, and definitely not what he had been expecting. A sudden flood of every tiny bit of defense he had learned in class poured through his mind, and he desperately tried to hang on to those tidbits before the next strike.
"Focus."
That was the first and only word of advice that left the commander's lips before a barrage of impossibly strong strikes- if it even counted as advice. It was more of an order than anything, and only obeyed out of sheer necessity. There was no pause between attacks- no moment to counter or recollect himself. He'd never quite realized the drastic difference between the strength of a SOLDIER and an unenhanced. Of course he knew they were stronger, but this was beyond his expectations- and it was clear the commander was holding back still, despite it all.
When would the training actually start? There was no advice- no compliments or critiques. Zack had told him to speak up or ask questions, but why was that necessary? With Genesis, he didn't have to ask- anything he needed to know would be pointed out as soon as it was noticed, and then his next effort would be assessed accordingly. That was the same way he had seen Zack operate in class for months with the other cadets- why did this have to be different?
Finally Zack relented a moment, lowering his blade as the cadet scrambled to retrieve his own. "Has Gen been going that easy on you?"
Cloud paused by his sword, waiting to pick it up. The strikes might just begin again if he did, and he wasn't quite ready for more. "He hasn't been striking back yet…just defending. That's why-"
"That explains a lot."
There was nothing he could say without making the situation worse, and so he chose not to respond at all. This didn't feel like a man trying to make things right. It didn't even feel like the harsh instructor he had grown accustomed to over the term...There was something unrecognizable happening, and he had no idea how he was supposed to react to it. Whatever it was, it hadn't even registered as a possibility on his list of reasons not to come. His worst case scenario had involved Zack insulting his every efforts, not...this.
Two options crossed his mind as he stared down at his sword, and he knew he was running out of time to decide; he could forget his pride and speak up, or just keep going.
It almost seemed like Zack was daring him to say something- like he was looking for proof that every blunt word he'd ever muttered was justified. That just wasn't going to happen. Plus, this was supposed to be his chance to prove himself...half the reason he had followed through was Genesis' reminder of how important it could be. If he spoke up so soon, how would he look? Certainly not like someone who deserved a better grade.
The second option was the only one he could choose- he wasn't at his limit yet, even if things weren't going well. There was always a chance Zack would ease up on his own, or at least offersome input...however unrealistic it might be, that was the only way he'd be accepting any favors from this SOLDIER.
A new sense of determination filled him as he grabbed his sword, though it wavered almost instantly as Zack made his next move. Back to back strikes, again, each increasingly powerful. Cloud practically screamed under the pressure as their blades clashed, growing weary from the constant onslaught.
The next set felt excessive. He fell to the floor this time, crippled by the impact. Zack was staring down at him, shaking his head slowly. Cloud didn't need him to say it- he knew what the commander was thinking. This was a bad idea. At least he wasn't the only one who regretted this so deeply; they finally had some common ground. Maybe it was the irony or maybe it was the exhaustion...he wasn't sure, but he couldn't help chuckling as he forced himself to his feet.
"Do you really think this is funny?"
"A little bit," the cadet admitted, trying not to sound as bitter as he felt. He was too tired to censor himself, and the realization was liberating. "Why am I even here?"
"Maybe if you actually did some training with Gen you wouldn't need to be."
Emotions stirred inside the cadet, but he managed to hold his tongue. He didn't recognize the tone Zack had used, but he definitely didn't like it. Why was he so hung up on Genesis? Their swords were both raised still, and clearly this encounter wasn't quite over- any desire to lash out verbally or defend his mentor would have to wait. It wouldn't help to provoke his instructor even further at this point.
One more attack might be too much though; he was already beyond the point of exhaustion, instead relying on pure adrenaline to fuel his movements. Genesis had never pushed him to this point, and he much preferred the warm arms of his mentor and the tingling of a Cure to this out of body experience. He lowered his blade slightly, knowing this needed to end soon. "What do you want from me?" His tone betrayed the pain he felt, but he tried to at least mask it from his face. "Everything in class wasn't enough?"
The words seemed to hit Zack harder than he had expected, knocking the rigid expression off his face almost immediately. "Is that what you think this is about?" His disbelief almost seemed genuine. "You have no idea, do you? This isn't how I wanted this to go."
The admission surprised Cloud, but the lack of explanation only made the hurt he felt pulse stronger than the other emotions he was feeling. What had he wanted then, and why did it go so terribly wrong? Their discussion had been awkward, and maybe he had gotten a bit too defensive at points- did it really warrant this reaction though? Surely whatever issue Zack had with him or whatever trigger he had set off during their conversation didn't justify this...Genesis would have told him if it were that important.
"Don't you think he's the one who owes you an explanation?"
He had to find out. "What did I do to make you hate me this much?"
Zack's mouth hung open slightly as he shook his head. "You didn't do anything. You never…"
That wasn't good enough. Cloud gripped the hilt of his sword, raising it once more. "I'm ready."
If the cadet didn't know any better he'd have thought he saw a flash of panic on Zack's face, but that made less sense than his decision to come to this one-on-one.
"We should talk about this."
"No."
He had tried to be respectful to his instructor. He had been patient and understanding- he had dared to hope despite having no reason to believe. Now he couldn't help feeling furious, mostly with himself for not realizing this would happen. He should have known better...It was too late to change the situation he was already in, but at the very least he could make sure it didn't get worse. He'd given Zack his chance to 'fix things', and he'd not be so easily fooled again.
Genesis' warm words of encouragement filled him, salvaging the confidence that had begun to shatter inside him. He could do this. He might not be able to win, but he didn't have to lose...he wouldn't quit and he wouldn't cry. He would fight until he couldn't fight anymore.
"Cloud, I..." His eyes were locked on the cadet, pleading- he wouldn't get the eye contact he desired though. The time for surrendering to that foolishness was gone- he couldn't afford any additional vulnerabilities now. "Obviously I pushed you too far, and-"
"I didn't ask you to let up, did I? If this went too far, it's my fault."
"I should've known you wouldn't say anything. I'd never-"
"I'm ready," he repeated, done trying to listen to this man.
Whatever Zack had started needed to be finished, and he wouldn't walk away until it was done. The apology in his tone wouldn't suffice. The commander seemed to hesitate, but Cloud left him little choice as he lunged forward this time. It only took one swing for the sword to fly out of his throbbing hands, but he didn't mind. He felt oddly invigorated as he retrieved it again, ready to let this play out. Zack was standing ready, though he seemed to have given up on his attacks…instead he let the cadet lash out the same way he already had, only disarming him when it seemed he needed a moment to catch his breath.
"Cloud, stop!" He finally met Zack's eyes and the disarray he felt seemed to resonate with the SOLDIER. Before he could push through the drained sensation once more, Zack threw down his sword, raising his hands defenselessly. "Please. I need you to talk to me! Yell at me- anything other than what you're doing."
Cloud just shook his head, not ready or willing to have another conversation that would go nowhere. He wasn't even sure he could speak at this point- the lack of movement was making him grow acutely aware of what he had just put his body through, and it was more than unpleasant.
"Okay," Zack agreed, seeming to take the lack of response as an answer. "I'll talk then. I didn't decide to do this so that I could-"
"Don't," Cloud snapped, finding his voice in a flash of annoyance. "I wanna keep going."
"Do you have dreams, Cloud?"
That wasn't what he had expected, but…the entire day hadn't been what he expected. Why wouldn't he stop talking? He was the one who had started this. A few minutes passed in tense silence, and the cadet finally lowered his sword. It seemed he would have to respond before they could continue. His whole body was swaying as he stood there, trying to remember the answer.
"To become a SOLDIER."
"And then what?"
He was sure he had goals beyond that point, but his mind was too scattered. "I don't know."
"If this is how you fight now…imagine if you knew what you were fighting for. You need dreams. And honor. That's the most important lesson I can teach any cadet- things I'm sure Genesis isn't concerned about at all. You should go. Don't come back until you find yours."
The sword finally fell from his hand as he stood there, stunned. No matter how soft Zack's tone was, it didn't mask the harsh words that shouldn't have surprised the cadet at this point. These words cut deeper than any blade ever could, and he knew he was finally done.
Even when he was so sure he didn't care what this man thought of him, it hurt…it was debilitating, more than he was willing to admit. All he wanted was to obey- he was desperate to leave that room and never look back, but his feet were rooted to the ground. Was this why Zack had refused to keep going? Did he know his words would get the reaction his sword couldn't? The cadet stared at his instructor, his weary body filled with contempt.
Zack stared back, undaunted by the cadet's glare. "Will you let me Cure you?"
"No."
"Then go!" he ordered, the false gentleness in his voice somehow amplifying the word.
With his hands balled into fists, the cadet turned, biting back the tears he felt stinging his eyes as he finally regained control of his limbs. They were a bit wobbly, but he'd be fine if he could just get back to his room. Or at least a safe distance away. It was the only thing he had left to hang onto- the only small victory he had managed. Zack may have gotten what he wanted…but he wouldn't get to see the magnitude of his success.
There were still a few cadets wandering the halls, but he tried to ignore them, furiously pretending to be fine. No one needed to know about this. They already thought he was a runt…they didn't need to see exactly how weak he truly was.
His room was in the next building though, further away than he could handle. There was no way he'd make it before breaking down, and so he did the only thing he could think of- turned into the first empty classroom he could find, shut the door, and crumbled to the ground. The tears began to flow freely and uncontrollably, paired with sobs he couldn't choke back as it all began to replay in his mind. He didn't even try to stop it, knowing it would be futile. The soreness in his muscles became more prominent as his adrenaline wore off, and his fatigue was so powerful that he wasn't sure he'd even be able to stand yet. Somewhere in the back of his mind he was praying there wouldn't be a class in this room anytime soon, but it was just one thought lost among the chaos.
All sense of time was lost as he laid there, letting the sadness run its course until his body couldn't produce any more tears. The miserable feeling hadn't faded in the least, but eventually there was just nothing left but a hollow ache...It was the first time in his life that he had experienced a complete breakdown, and it was something he wouldn't forget. Never again would he give someone the power to drive him to this. Especially not Commander Fair. The thought of the man was repulsing in that moment, and he'd be happier if he never had to see his former idol again.
The term wasn't over yet, but surely there was something he could do.
He rose to his feet slowly, still dizzy from his overexertion. An idea had lit up in his head, and it was too important to wait. If he could push himself to this extreme, surely he could manage a bit more. It'd be worth it for the peace of mind. His feet seemed disconnected from the rest of his body, but they still lead him to the place he had imagined…A place he never would have dared visit on any normal day.
A busy looking man stared up at him, looking somewhat annoyed for a moment, but then concerned as he examined the boy's face.
"Can I help you?"
"I need to speak with the general."
"He's very busy. I can try to schedule something-"
"Please ask him? I think Commander Rhapsodos told him I might stop by."
The man frowned, looking over his computer screen. "Strife?" Cloud nodded in response, and the secretary let out a short sigh. "Yes, you are on the list. He has an appointment in fifteen minutes, so try to be brief. And don't forget to knock!"
Cloud nodded again, taking a deep breath as he approached the door. Suddenly he felt very nauseous, but it didn't matter- he'd force himself to get through this, and then fall victim to his body's weakness once more. Just a few minutes…that was all he needed.
Was this really the best solution? No, his mind screamed, a list of alternatives forming almost immediately. This was the easiest though, and surely he had endured enough hardship.
His hand was already on the door, knocking twice before he could thoroughly consider his other options. There was a call to enter, and at that point there was no turning back. Curious eyes fell on him as he stepped inside, and he only had to remind himself once that it was for the best.
"Cadet Strife. Have a seat," the general offered, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. The boy did as instructed, trying to numb the feelings that were coming back to life inside him. He had been so sure he had gotten everything out, but now…everything was rushing back too rapidly to control. Nerves mixed with the flow of anguish and disappointment, and it was too much. He couldn't even look at the general, fearing he'd ask questions that the cadet wasn't ready to answer. "Commander Rhapsodos asked me to see you if you needed anything, but I must admit, I did not expect you to show up less than 8 hours after he departed. You look unwell."
"I'm fine," Cloud responded, the crack in his voice revealing his lie.
Sephiroth noted it, though remained patient as he eyed the boy. "What can I do for you then?"
The cadet took another deep breath, futilely trying to exhale some of his rising emotions. "I need to switch combat courses."
Author's Note:
I don't usually end with an author's note but did you really think I'd go a whole chapter without rambling? I had to wait till the end this time because...well, I didn't want to set the tone. For what it's worth, I'm sorry if you didn't like this chapter. I didn't like it. I went through at least 15 variations, but ultimately I couldn't lighten it up or make this a happy bonding point…Someone had to snap, and I really hope it was understandable why.