Disclaimer: Don't own Final Fantasy or any other square Enix character!

Cloud leaned his head heavily on the table, completely oblivious to the lesson being thought at the top of the classroom. He was tired, having had only four hours of sleep the night before, and the patter of heavy rain against the window didn't help the abysmal atmosphere at all.

The blond let himself drift off until he was shoved back into full consciousness by the ringing of the bell, indicating the end of the school day. Cloud sighed, the day had gone on for way too long and he had some important stuff to do after school. He packed away his books and shouldered his bag before making his way out of the room and through the corridor.

Walking through a crowded school hallway is not a fun thing to do, especially when your mind is preoccupied and you're half asleep, it can lead to embarrassing moments like letting out a girlish yelp when a large hand is placed on your shoulder.
"Gaia." Cloud muttered, his eyes closing to hide his fright. Zack let out a chuckle, retracting his hand.

"Are you a zombie now?" He asked, arching an eyebrow in question, Cloud shook his head, cheeks tinting red.

"No," he sighed, "Just tired." Zack tilted his head and Cloud frowned when he saw the concerned look on the older teens face.

"Tired? Hmm that doesn't sound good. Everything okay?" The dark haired boy asked, moving closer to Cloud. Cloud felt goose bumps emerge on his skin when he caught the scent of the others aftershave; it had always been the same brand since Zack was thirteen and Cloud found it strangely comforting... familiar. He looked at the other and smiled a little.

"Everything's fine, I was just restless last night." He explained. Zack cocked a brow.

"Restless?" He questioned again. Cloud felt himself become irritated but tried to hide it with a small shrug.

"Don't really know why." He mumbled.

"You're an odd one chocobo-head. Sooo anyway, weirdness aside what are you doing now? Not running in that I hope." Zack stepped back and looked towards the window, observing the heavy rain. Cloud followed his eyes.

"No," he said dryly "think I'll skip that today. I might blow away." Zack laughed at the image before turning back to the smaller boy.

"Well it's your lucky day coz I'm not training either. You need a lift?" He questioned, shaking the keys wrapped around his thumb. Cloud sighed.

"Is there any point in saying no?" He drawled and Zack smirked, shaking his head. The raven haired boy swung around and placed his arm around the boy's shoulders.

"Ah, you really are smart yellow head. Of course you can't say no. You might really blow away y'know and I can't let that happen because your mom would beat my ass and I have a really nice ass so that would be a tragedy." His face twisted in mock pain as he wrapped his arm around the smaller boy's neck and pulled him along the corridor. Cloud felt his insides warm at the feeling of the others muscles against his neck and he smiled shyly as Zack began to loudly hum a tune to his favourite song, oblivious to the stares he was receiving from other students.

"Uh, seriously I'm so full I think my ears are gonna explode." Zack groaned, leaning back in his chair and patting his stomach loudly. Cloud nodded, although he didn't feel overly full. Then again, he never stuffed himself like Zack did.

The two had arrived at Clouds house an hour ago to find that Sky was in bed, much to Clouds disappointment. They decided to make some pizza and fries for dinner and eat in Clouds bedroom.

Zack looked at Cloud from his seat by the dressing table. The boy seemed spacey today and Zack didn't think it was just from tiredness. He figured that it may have something to do with Sky so he didn't ask too much questions, it was worrying him though; he just wished Cloud could be happy for a while.

He shifted his gaze around the room and raised a brow when he saw the laptop beside Clouds bed, plugged into the charger.

"I thought you said you weren't going to use any of that stuff?" Clouds eyes widened at the others sudden statement. He was about to ask what he was talking about when he remembered the laptop currently on his floor. He put his plate down beside him on the bed.

"Yeah," he said slowly, "couldn't resist I guess. Don't think it matters anyway."

"I guess not. Did that person ever try to contact you again?" Zack asked, eyeing the computer. He knew saying 'person' was harsh but he would not believe that they were really Clouds father, not without proof anyway.

Cloud shook his head. "No." He hadn't told the other about the email address he had gotten or about the conversation he had had with the stranger the night before. He felt bad for lying but he knew that Zack would freak out if he found out what he was doing and at the moment he really didn't need that distraction while he was trying to sort the situation out.

"Oh." Zack muttered; the blonde's answer didn't allay his curiosity though. Cloud was way too quiet and abrupt, something was up and Zack hoped the boy wasn't doing anything intractable. He didn't question any further though, knowing he was in a crotchety mood.

"Hm, so is it any good then?" He decided to brighten the subject. Cloud shrugged his shoulders.

"It has internet access and it's really fast, I've only really read books on it so far though." Zack made a face at the blonde's words.

"Ooooh, you're so boring Cloud," he shook his head in weary resignation, clasping his hands in front of himself. "I mean really… that's not what it's for."

"Oh, I guess I could stop doing something I enjoy doing and do something I don't enjoy doing under the guise of enjoying it?" He raised a blond brow. Zack clicked his tongue.

"Okay, way too many words for me there Cloudy. You're making me feel dumb. If you keep reading like that you'll become an old bald bookworm that nobody likes. You wouldn't want that, would you? Well, you might have too much hair to go bald but that's not the point." He babbled while looking away. Cloud let out a laugh and Zack smiled, aware of the immaturity of his statement.

Rain splashed heavily against the window, causing them both to look towards it.

"Uh, that's miserable." Zack commented, his face falling as though it were melting. "I should be going now. Angeal will kill me if I don't come home tonight. Prisoner warden." He sighed while looking back towards the boy on the bed. Cloud sat up more, giving the other a worried look.

"Do you think you'll be okay driving?" He asked, indicating towards the window, "It's bad out there."

"Don't worry chocobo, a Midgar motorist knows how to deal with the unpredictable weather." Zack stated smugly while standing up and putting on his leather jacket. His statement didn't reassure Cloud much but he still nodded while standing up too.

"Well okay...text me when you get home though." Cloud said while opening the door and waiting for the other to exit. Zack gave him a smile and walked over to the door; he reached out a hand and ruffled Clouds wafting locks.

"Oh you're such a cutie, worried about me." He snickered as he headed out of the room.

"I just don't want to get in trouble for sending you to your doom." Cloud mumbled, folding his arms and closing his eyes nonchalantly.

"Uh, I'm just going to pretend you didn't say that. Mean, mean boy." Zack grumbled. He made his way to the front door and opened it. Both the boys winced as the pounding of the rain and wind filled the apartment.

"You sure-"

"I'll be fine." Zack interrupted the blond; he gave the boy a small wave before making his way out the door. Cloud watched as the front door was pulled shut by Zack and then turned to close his own.

The blond sighed, running a hand through his hair. He felt bad because even though he was worried about Zack travelling in such weather he was also anxious for the older boy to leave. Now he could get on with what he had been waiting to do all day.

The blond went over to the laptop on the floor and picked it up. He sat down against the headboard and opened the computer, once he turned it on he had to wait while it loaded, the seconds felt like hours for the anxious teen. When the screen finally did load he wasted no time in connecting to the internet and typing in the name he had received the night before. He didn't even have to check the spelling; the name had been running through his head all day long.

His eyes widened slightly as the first website to come up on the list was a Shinra site. He already had a feeling that his father was a Shinra member, a lot of the kids in Midgar were products of SOLDIER's one night stands and his mom had hinted at it on the rare occasions she had spoken about his father. He clicked on the screen and read the information.

That site and all the rest of the sights he had spent the next two hours researching gave him the same frustratingly small piece of information on Basch: He was a commanding SOLDIER thirteen years ago until he left Shinra for unknown reasons, no further information has been found on him since. It was annoying but at least he knew Basch was real. The most important thing he found was an old headshot of the man. Cloud couldn't deny that they shared the same features. The similarities were so obvious yet hard to pick out but their skin and mouths were definitely the same and Cloud already knew he had his mother's eyes and hair. He could definitely be a mix of the two.

Basch von Ronsenburg was his father.

Cloud sighed and sunk down into his pillow. He closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind a bit. So Basch really was his father? He felt excited but tried to calm himself, rationalising that there was no proof that the man contacting him was really Basch at all. Then again, who else would they be?
He pondered over it for a while, idly flicking the keys on his laptop as he contemplated his next move.

Sephiroth was angry today. It was raining heavily which made the small assignment he had gone on a slow and tedious task that left him wishing death upon those imbeciles he refused to call colleagues. His patience had been tried all day long and to top it all off his journey home had taken an hour longer due to the storm enhanced traffic.

Yes, Sephiroth had had a bad day, but the reason for his particularly foul mood that evening wasn't the weather; he was used to that. No, he was angry because when he did finally return home and switched on his laptop he was greeted with the sight of his boy on the screen. This would have pleased him if it were not for the digits on the corner of the screen telling him that Cloud had been on the connection for forty three minutes already.

He was furious; the smashed fruit bowl on the ground was tribute to that.

How dare the pathetic misgivings of his life prevent him from spending every possible minute he could with his angel? So many nights he had spent looking at a blank screen, hoping his angel would make any sort of appearance, only to miss it when it happens? He would not stand for it. Every day his longing for Cloud grew stronger and more desperate. He believed that he had wanted the boy at first but now...he needed him.

It was strange, to need someone so much, especially when they had no idea, but Sephiroth didn't care. He knew Cloud. He knew Cloud more than the boy knew himself. Cloud wanted to be rescued, he wanted someone to come and take him away from that place, from that woman and that poverty. Cloud was never really happy, Sephiroth could see it in the way his eyes were always glossy with unshed tears and his lips were moulded to look natural in a frown. The only time the boy ever seemed to come alive was when he was with that other boy, something Sephiroth tried to ignore.

He understood Cloud. He knew all about the dullness and unhappiness his boy was feeling because he had felt it too. The blond had saved him from that, given him a reason to live. He would return the favour.

He had forced himself to calm down and to sit where he was now, on the couch watching his boy on the screen. He hadn't taken a shower or changed from his work attire, despite being dirty and drenched through from the rain. For the first time in his life he didn't care about being immaculate; he just wanted to see Cloud.

The drops sliding down his chest and coat were a memory now. He had been watching his boy for over three hours. Studying him. Cloud went from reading to thinking to typing, looking perplexed all the time. He looked so young, in a white shirt two buttons open and no tie, revealing the shiny skin of his chest.

It was during the third hour, when Cloud had spent most of his time looking away from his laptop in thought, that Sephiroth received an instant message email. He knew it was from Cloud and so with no small amount of excitement he opened it. Once he saw the message he let his lips form a brilliant smile, revealing his perfect teeth. It might have been frightening, if anyone were to see; reminiscent of a hunting jaguar.

I think I believe you.

"Of course you do." He whispered patronisingly. Cloud was acting just as he predicted, fear turned to curiosity turned to vulnerability. Cloud was so...human. He was an easy target; young and innocent. He was falling right into Sephiroth's hands.

Not bothering to wait as he did the night before, Sephiroth took the risk of replying to the boys email right away.

It was hard for the General, never an emotional man, to come up with words that would come from an estranged father to his lost son. He made an effort to keep things slightly formal for now and when the boy trusted him more he could be freer with words.

Cloud felt those damn butterflies return to his stomach the minute he sent the email. He believed he was right in what he said but it was still scary. Inhaling sharply, he sat up straight and willed the person to reply. His eyes widened in surprise when after two minutes he did get an answer. He wasn't expecting that.

YSM: That is not what I expected to hear. I had my doubts about you contacting me again. I take it you did some research on my name?

He thought for a moment before replying.

: It's not really what I expected to say either but I think it's the truth. I did research your name but there's not very much information on you. Why is that?

It felt weird to be talking so casually with someone who could potentially be dangerous and he knew if his friends, especially Zack, found out they would go berserk. It didn't feel wrong though, and he had to follow his instinct for now.

The screen beeped again. Another message.

YSM: That is part of the reason I couldn't reveal myself in person to you. Shinra is a dark place Cloud. Everyone there, including me, has secrets. Maybe one day I can share them with you but for now it is best not to speak of such things.

Cloud blinked a couple of times. That was...cryptic. It seemed to be a sensitive topic so he decided not to linger on it for now. He thought for a minute before replying.

: That seems fair. I'm sorry for prying. this is all just really fast.

Several more minute, another reply.

YSM: It is I who should be apologising. This is not the way I would have you know me Cloud, and any questions you have, no matter how personal, you should ask. I am just happy to have this opportunity to speak with you at all.

Cloud couldn't help the smile that spread across his face at those words. He felt stupid but the words were flattering. This man, his father, wanted him? His hands shook as he typed another message.

: I feel the same.

YSM: It's good to hear that.

Cloud bit his lip and smiled again. He made clicking sounds with his tongue as he leaned forward and typed.

: So, what happens now?

YSM: Let's just talk.

They did talk, that night and almost every night after for the next three weeks. They talked about Cloud; Basch wanted to know all about him, they talked about Cloud's mother and Basch told Cloud all about the night they spent together, they talked about Shinra and Midgar and SOLDIER and anything else in their lives, they talked about everything and nothing, because all that mattered was that they were talking.

To Cloud, it was no longer dangerous or suspicious. He was so confident this was really his father that he could no longer see any possibility that this person was lying. His talks with his father became the thing he thought about when he woke up and looked forward to all day long. He wasn't stupid though, he knew he may be getting too involved too fast but...he didn't care. Why would he? This was his father; he could feel it.

Silly boy.

He thought about all of this as he sat at the counter at Dilly Dallies, watching the clock tick by slowly. It was almost seven and he was finished at eight. He sighed and leaned his head on his hand; he was tired, he had stayed up late the night before emailing Basch and then he had had to get up early for school, which was followed by a four hour shift where he was now.

The door opening caused him to straighten up and he turned his head to see who entered. His eyes widened in surprise when caught sight of the person.

"Hey." He said, albeit a little awkwardly. Vossler smiled.

"Hey there blondie." The brunet made his way over to the counter and stood in front of him.

They hadn't really talked since before the dance so the situation was...awkward. "Haven't seen you in a while."

"Yeah, I've been kind of busy." Cloud explained, looking down at the counter. He looked up when Vossler shifted and picked out a chocolate bar from the rack beside him. He gave a small smile when the other smirked cheekily.

"I love these." Vossler stated and the blond nodded, watching the older boy open the wrapper and take a bite with the side of his mouth while leaning his arm on the counter. "Listen," he started, "I just wanted to let you know that I'm not mad or anything about the dance."

Cloud looked down again and sighed, "Yeah I'm really..."

Vossler held up his hand to stop the boy, "No, It wasn't your fault. I know you wouldn't have bailed for any other reason. So no guilt?" He looked at Cloud intensely and the blond eventually gave in and nodded.

"Okay." He mumbled and Vossler smiled.

"Good, so we're friends?" He asked.

"We were never not friends. I've just been doing some thinking lately, trying to figure out my priorities and stuff so I have been a little distant, from everyone." Cloud explained with a frown. "I'm sorry if it looked like I was avoiding you."

"That's fair. So there's no problems between us then. " Vossler stated.

"No." Cloud agreed.

"Alright. Good to have that sorted. Now, do you know where I can find the mako enhancers? Damn light bulb's gone out in my apartment again." Cloud nodded, pointing to the third isle.

Everything was so much better when one was happy. Food tasted better, material felt softer, days passed faster and so on so forth.

Sephiroth had never known life to be so blissful before. For the first time he was seeing past the misery and futility of the world and was embracing the good things in life. Namely one; Cloud Strife.

He had spent the last three weeks conversing with the boy. Talking with him. It felt unexplainably incredible to be actually talking with Cloud, to be connected with him. It didn't matter that the boy thought he was someone else because that was just temporary; he would learn the truth eventually.

For now he was just enjoying spending time with Cloud, learning about his thoughts and views directly from him. Cloud was intelligent and innocent and his words reflected that. Sephiroth had fallen even more desperately in love with the boy these past few weeks.

To see him through a screen and talk to him electronically every night only made him crave the real thing more. His body throbbed with need every time he saw those eyes and lips and anything else exposed to him. He wanted to hear Clouds voice, not read his words. He was happy now but it was only a mere tease of what could be if he actually had the boy with him, in his arms.

He had been thinking lately; he all but had had the boy twisted around his little finger now. He could easily come up with a plan to bring Cloud right to him.

Yes, why wait? Why torture himself any longer? It had been nice getting to know Cloud but it was now time to get Cloud…

No one could stop him.

Cloud was his.