Disclaimer: I do not own FF7 or any of the FF7 characters!

"Hold this right there for me. Steady," Natsumi explained while taking a few pins and sticking them into the silk fabric.

"Mom be careful that's my hand," Cloud started while moving his hand to another part of the fabric to avoid the sharp needle.

"I see you," Natsumi dismissed with a small chuckle. This was how it was every year when the Cherry Blossom Festival neared. Natsumi would always set out to make the nicest kimono for her family to wear to the event, and Cloud always got roped into being his mom's assistant as she sewed the garments.

"So, how's your painting coming along?" Natsumi asked while placing a pin carefully between her teeth before leaning back in with another and stitching together the seams.

"I didn't start on it," Cloud replied while adjusting his hands once more on the material, keeping his blue eyes focused on his mom's expert movements.

"What?" Natsumi asked while lifting her gaze briefly to look at Cloud, "you can't start on something like that so late."

"I never said I was actually going to do it," Cloud explained. He had told his mom about Aerith's suggestion to submit a painting at the festival, but now that he had his mom had only been pushing him further to do it. It wasn't that he didn't want to but he still hadn't even tried a painting yet, and he wasn't sure his first one he would want to put on display like that. Besides, he was lacking the real motivation to do it; he still didn't even know what it was he would do if he did begin.

"Stalling will get you nowhere," Natsumi continued while taking the pin out from between her teeth. "What if I waited until the last moment to work on these? They would look like rags!"

Cloud let out a brief laugh while shaking his head. Even if his mom did start late on them he was sure they wouldn't look like rags, since he was little he knew that his mom was a great seamstress and everything she did was practically flawless. Maybe that's where he got his perfectionism from when it came to his art.

"Alright, I guess that's good enough for now," Natsumi began while leaning back slightly to look at the incomplete garment, "I should be starting dinner."

"Okay," Cloud replied while letting go of the fabric he had been holding in place for his mom while she stitched away. "Do you need help?"

"No I've got it," Natsumi said with a smile before patting Cloud's cheek, "you've been more than enough help for today. But you could feed Tama for me."

Nodding Cloud made his way into the kitchen where he retrieved the cat's small dish and filled it with some of the left over fish from the night before. He didn't even have to call out for her before she was trotting over towards him once she caught the smell in the air, her little bell tinkling all the way. He scratched her behind her ears for a moment as she ate and then he had made his way down the hall into his room. He really hadn't had much time lately to just be able to lounge around in there, the past few days had been sort of busy.

His lessons had picked up, not to mention he was still trying to catch up from the things he missed when he was sick. He had gone into town with his mom the other day to get more of the fabric she would need, and his dad had asked him to come to his office after that to help him with some things. That left very little time for him in the evening, and that meant that he only got to see Zack briefly. After all he had a whole bunch of things he was doing too. He had mentioned to Cloud that Angeal had mentioned something about possibly sending him away again, although he wasn't sure when or if it was actually going to happen. But it was still something that Cloud didn't want to hear.

And Zack seemed pretty reluctant about it too. Since Cloud had told him what he did about Hojo, the blonde could tell that Zack seemed very wary to let Cloud out of his sight. And if he did he needed to know exactly where he was going to be. But Cloud didn't really blame him; he had lied to him after all. He still felt guilty about that but he really felt like he had no other choice at the time.

Letting out a sigh he took a seat on his bed before glancing across the room and looking at the blank canvas that was resting against the wall. He had the time now to attempt something, but he still didn't know. However he didn't think on it too long before the sound of the front door slamming caught his attention. He heard his mom say something in a surprised tone, but he wasn't worried when he heard her say "Saito." He was just about to dismiss his father's loud entrance but then he heard footsteps' getting closer to his room before his door was quickly slid open.

His father was standing in the doorframe, his eyes angry and his brows knitted together in the way they always did when he was upset. Only thing was Cloud didn't know why his dad was upset now…and why did it seem to be directed at him?

Cloud didn't say anything; he simply looked up to his dad from his spot on the bed, his eyes silently questioning what was wrong.

"You are not to go anywhere outside of this house anymore unless you get permission from me," Saito explained firmly, "the only exception is your lessons and straight after that you come back home."

Eyes widening slightly Cloud stared back in silence. He knew his dad really never liked him staying out late, and there was some days when he told him he wanted him straight back home…but he never completely confined him this way.

"Why?" Cloud asked softly.

"Because I said so," Saito replied before turning and walking out of the room.

The only thing that Cloud could do was stare at the spot that his father had just been standing. What was that all about? Cloud was sure he hadn't done anything to warrant his father's aggression, he made sure to mind him just so that things like this wouldn't happen. Standing up he walked over to the door before closing it again, a frown settled on his face. There was no way he could stay in the house all the time! Why was his dad trying to keep him locked up like some prisoner?

He stayed in his room until his mother called him for dinner, and even then he remained quiet at the table as his parents talked. His mom tried to get him to talk a few times but he only kept his responses short and so she finally gave up after a while. Saito on the other hand didn't seem to be fazed at all by Cloud's down mood. Once he was finished he asked to be excused and went back into his room where he flopped on his bed and glared up at the ceiling. He stayed that way for a while, even dozing off for a moment before waking up once he thought he heard a knock at the front door.

Sitting up he strained his hearing to see if he could hear anything else, and sure enough he heard his mom's cheerful voice as she greeted the guest. He instantly perked up once he realized that it was Zack at the door and he slid off his bed before making his way across the room. Sliding open his door he was surprised to see his father emerging from his room as well as he made his way down the hall. Cloud followed behind him until they reached the entrance where Zack and Natsumi were currently talking.

"Are you sure you're not hungry? We have plenty left over from dinner," Natsumi offered with a smile.

"I'm fine really Auntie," Zack replied with a laugh, "thank you."

"Well okay," Natsumi spoke before noticing Cloud and Saito stepping into the room.

"Good evening Zack," Saito spoke while turning his focus to the Samurai.

"Uncle," Zack started with a brief bow to the man.

"I heard you may be going away. I'm surprised to see you," Saito continued while narrowing his eyes slightly.

"Well I may be," Zack started, "but I haven't gotten word on when I'll be heading out, if I do at all."

"I see," Saito replied before Cloud moved from behind him to step closer to Zack. He had just given the other a smile when he felt his father's arm reach out to block him from stepping forward any further. Stopping Cloud looked up to his dad and gave him a questioning look.

"I'm sorry Zack," Saito began seriously, "but I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

The look that crossed Zack's face at that moment could only be described as confusion.

"Saito!" Natsumi snapped while giving her husband an annoyed look.

"Dad what are you-" Cloud started before his father continued, turning his gaze towards Cloud.

"You're no longer to see him anymore. Here or otherwise," Saito explained before turning his focus back towards Zack.

"What are you talking about?" Cloud instantly asked as his eyes widened. No longer see Zack? Was his father crazy!?

"I don't need to explain myself," Saito replied, "you'd be wise not to push this matter any further, you'll only make me angry."

"Saito," Natsumi began unsurely while shifting her eyes between the three before her.

"Zack." Saito spoke with a nod while fixing his gaze on the other.

What had just happened? Zack wasn't sure, and he wanted more than anything to tell Saito that he wasn't going anywhere. But he really had no right to do so, and he couldn't disrespect the man in his own house.

"I," Zack began before turning his gaze towards Cloud who looked completely stunned at the moment. "I understand," Zack finished while giving the man a bow.

"Zack!" Cloud shouted just before Zack turned to leave. No way, what was he doing? He couldn't just go…he couldn't! Once Zack had stepped out of the residence Saito moved to close the door behind him, preparing to walk back down the hall as if nothing at all had happened.

"No!" Cloud suddenly shouted, "You can't do that!"

Stopping in his tracks Saito turned and gave Cloud an icy glare. "You want to raise your voice to me?"

At the moment Cloud didn't care. He was always respectful of his parents and actually pretty scared of his father at times. But this? There was no way he was just going to sit by and let that happen.

"He's my best friend! Why would you say that?" Cloud continued before Natsumi walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Saito I don't understand," his mother began with a shake of her head.

"Natsumi, let me handle this," Saito replied while sending the woman a look that told her not to stick her nose into the matter.

"It doesn't matter I won't let you do this!" Cloud began while moving towards the door.

"Step out of this house and you'll be sorry," Saito said sternly. "Zack was able to respect me and my own son can't even do the same?"

Halting at his father's words he let them sink in. True, Zack had seemed surprised by his father's words but he didn't make a scene and he respectfully listened to his request. But…it wasn't that easy! Why was his father suddenly taking everything from him? It didn't make any sense at all.

"I won't allow for such a relationship to continue," Saito spoke before finally turning and continuing down the hall to his room.

Such a relationship…

Turning away from the door Cloud stood in shock as he realized what his father had just said to him. He…knew? But how? Cloud couldn't think of anyway that his dad would think something more was going on between Zack and him. They had been friends for so long and they're spending time together was nothing out of the ordinary, they always appeared casual when around others. So how…

"Cloud," Natsumi began while walking over towards him and wrapping her arms around him. "I'm not sure what's got your father so angry at the moment, but he'll calm down soon enough. Zack's your best friend. He wouldn't keep you two apart."

However Cloud didn't take much comfort at all in those words from his mother, because he knew once his father had made up his mind about something it was almost impossible for him to be swayed.


Staring blankly at his notebook Cloud was only vaguely aware that he was supposed to be writing something down in it. But he couldn't concentrate on his lesson at the moment, he had way too many other things on his mind and he honestly didn't care at all about his lessons. In fact this morning he wanted to just stay home and flat out refuse going to lessons just to make his father angry. But even he knew that that would only make matters worse, and honestly it just wasn't in Cloud's nature to try to test his father like that. Although that still didn't change the fact that he didn't feel like doing anything at all during this time. He would go to his lessons like he was supposed to, but it didn't mean he would participate.

"Cloud?" Aerith asked quietly while peering over at the blank page before him. "Do you need some help?"

"No," Cloud snapped back quickly before turning away more from the girl. He didn't want to talk to her, he didn't want her help…he didn't even want to look at her. Because he knew….he just knew that it was Aerith that had mentioned something about Zack and him. It was the only thing that made sense! Aerith was the only one who would have motive to do so, she was the only one who would gain from separating the two, and she was the one who was out in the garden that day! And who knew, maybe she never even completely really left, maybe she had stayed behind and spied on the two or something. Cloud wasn't really sure, but the only thing he knew was that she must've told someone. Perhaps the Magistrate? And of course with him being on the council word would get to his father quickly.

"Are you okay?" Aerith asked quietly before looking over to their teacher who was occupied in reading some sort of notes.

Cloud didn't respond and only continued to stare down at his open notebook, wishing for the time to go by so he could leave this place and get away from Aerith.

Frowning slightly Aerith reached out, planning to place a gentle hand on Cloud's shoulder but she reconsidered and dropped her hand beside her. There was obviously something bothering Cloud but he didn't seem to want to talk at all. She wondered if it had anything to do with Zack, after all that last time that she had seen the two of them it seemed like there was some sort of tension in the air.

The sound of the door opening caused Cloud to shift his eyes in that direction. He was slightly surprised to see Kunsel enter of all people.

"Excuse me," Kunsel said to the teacher with a brief bow, "I was asked to deliver a message to Cloud Strife. It's from the Chamberlain."

"Alright," the teacher replied with a gesture of her hand, allowing Kunsel to enter into the room fully. The few other students in the room finally dropped their gazes back to their work as Kunsel made his way over towards Cloud, note in hand.

"It's from Zack," Kunsel said, leaning down and whispering into Cloud's ear while setting the note on the table in front of him.

Cloud's eyes widened noticeably and he quickly picked up the note before looking to Kunsel and nodding. "Thank you."

The Samurai gave a smile before pulling back. He gave a small nod to Aerith who gave him a smile before he was crossing the room and heading back out into the castle.

Quickly unfolding the paper, although quietly, Cloud let his eyes scan the note.

If you can manage it, please meet me at Angeal's quarters after your lessons. I'll be waiting there for you. And it's probably a good idea after you read this note to destroy it.

"Takako Sensei!" Cloud blurted before tearing up the small note while looking over to his teacher who lowered the papers she was reading and gave Cloud an odd look.

"I'm sorry," Cloud continued while rising from his seat and giving a bow, "but may I be excused early? Something came up and my father needs to see me as soon as possible."

Hesitating for a moment the woman gave a nod, "That's fine Cloud, why don't you just hand me what you've finished so far before you go."

"Uh," Cloud started while looking down to the blank page once more, "if it's okay I'd really like to finish it. I can hand it in first thing tomorrow."

"That's fine," Takako replied with a smile while a few of the other students let out quiet whines. The woman really had no problem with letting Cloud turn in work later, he had always been one of her best students. Many of the kids of council members thought that they could just sail through their work without putting much effort into it simply because of their position, but not Cloud.

"Thank you!" Cloud said once more with a bow before picking up his notebook and heading towards the door. He thought he heard Aerith say goodbye quietly to him, but he didn't turn around to see or reply back.

Stepping out into the castle halls he quickly made his way towards Angeal's quarters. True Zack told him to come after lessons but Cloud couldn't wait that long. And aside from that his father told him he needed to be home right away after lessons, and even though his father should be working if he found out that he wasn't home when he was supposed to it would only make things worse. So Cloud was hoping that Zack was already at Angeal's, he needed for him to be.

He barely even said a word to anyone who greeted him in the halls and instead just gave a rushed bow without even stopping his steps. Finally making his way to the Samurai's quarters he lifted a small fist and knocked rapidly. He partly wondered if Angeal was there or not, but it didn't matter to him either way. He was greeted with silence and a frown settled on his face before he continued to knock. Was Zack not here yet? It looked like he had come too soon. Letting out a sigh he leaned his head against the door briefly before reaching down and pulling on the door to slide it open. He figured it would be okay if he went inside, Zack was expecting him so what would it matter if he waited inside? Besides, he had spent enough time here when Zack was away to be familiar with the place.

Stepping into the living room after removing his shoes he looked about the residence, noting that it was indeed vacant. But no sooner than he had realized that did he hear the sound of the door sliding open and shutting softly.

Staring at the entry way he waited for whoever it was that had entered to come into view. Was it Zack? Angeal?

"Cloud?" The Samurai asked as his blue eyes widened, clearly not expecting to see the younger one here so soon.

"Zack," Cloud breathed while dropping his notebook to the floor without a second thought before rushing over and throwing his arms around the other.

Zack returned the embrace, pulling the boy closer against him and holding him tightly. It felt like it had been forever since he had held him in his arms this way, even if it really had only been a matter of days. In his book, that was far too long.

"I wasn't expecting you until later," Zack started, "if at all. I wasn't sure you would come."

"Of course I'd come," Cloud replied quickly while pulling back slightly to look up at Zack, "I left from lessons early…I just had to see you."

"Cloud," Zack began while pulling Cloud back to him. The blond wrapped his arms even more tightly around his boyfriend while letting out a sigh of content. They didn't say anything for a while, simply holding each other and soaking in the comfort that the other one gave. When they were like this they could temporarily shut out the rest of the world and not have a worry. But…it was only temporary.

Pulling away once more Cloud looked up at Zack again, but this time there was a certain look in his eyes. A look that Zack couldn't exactly place, that is until those golden eyebrows knitted together and that mouth twisted into a pout of sorts. It was a look that Zack was all too familiar with, a look that clearly meant Cloud was angry. But before Zack could question him at all Cloud's lips had already parted.

"Why did you just walk out like that yesterday!?" Cloud asked while pushing against Zack's chest to put a little distance between them. "It was like you didn't…care."

"Cloud," Zack said while shaking his head. "You know that's not it at all. It's just I had no idea what your dad was talking about, and he seemed angry enough. The last thing I wanted to do was give him even more reason to keep us apart if I upset him and disrespected him in any way."

"I can understand that," Cloud replied softly. He guessed that was why Zack was more mature than he was, while Cloud had had an outburst from his father's words Zack was able to remain calm and look at it from all angles, cutting down any more damage than was necessary.

"Although I don't know why he said that," Zack continued while wrapping his arms around Cloud once more.

"I do," Cloud said while leaning against his lover's strong chest.

"Hmm?"

"He knows about us," Cloud explained while shutting his eyes.

"What?" Zack asked while looking down to Cloud who opened his eyes and turned them upward again. He simply nodded, keeping sad blue eyes on the other as he tightened his grip around his waist.

"No," Zack said with a brief laugh, "there's no way. How could he?"

"Zack he told me," Cloud continued, "and he said he wouldn't let a relationship like ours continue."

Zack felt his stomach drop at those words. He understood Saito was a proud man, and he already had his problems with Cloud choosing a different path rather than what he had envisioned for him. So with finding out about this? It probably seemed like the final straw to him. But Zack couldn't help but to wonder, if Saito weren't Chamberlain…would it really even matter?

"How?" Zack asked, still feeling completely floored with the information.

"Aerith," Cloud spat while letting go of Zack. Turning around he walked over to the window and peered down into the courtyard. "Who else could it be?"

"Aerith?" Zack began with a raised eyebrow, "she doesn't know."

"Oh yeah she does," Cloud replied while turning back around to face Zack, his arms crossed over his chest. "That day when you came out into the garden she was there. She saw enough, and who else besides her was there? Maybe she saw and heard more than we thought! I mean is it really a coincidence that not much longer from then does my dad throw this at us?"

Letting the information sink in Zack ran a hand through his hair. Would Aerith really do that? She was their friend, surely she wouldn't say anything to anyone right? Even if she did harbor a small crush for Zack, would she really be so cold as to purposely try to cause problems for both Cloud and he? Zack honestly didn't know, but he did have to admit it was a bit of a coincidence.

"Damn it," Zack sighed with a shake of his head, "I didn't think…I mean that day I just…" trailing off slightly he took a seat before running his hands over his face. "This is my fault." If only he hadn't let his anger get to him so much that day then he never would've stormed out there into the garden like that. And he especially should've kept his cool with her there. He didn't think she would've seen much but…then again who knew. Maybe from the way he grabbed Cloud's hand? His tone, the look in his eyes? Or maybe it was Cloud's look or tone…something that hinted to something more. And maybe Cloud was right, maybe Aerith really didn't leave and had been watching them or something after the fact. Then of course she saw more than just "friendship" between the two.

"No," Cloud said softly while making his way over towards Zack. He knew he was feeling guilty and blaming himself for things, and he really shouldn't have been. Sitting down beside Zack he gently placed a hand on the side of his face causing Zack to look at him. "If it's anyone's fault it's mine," he explained.

"Cloud," Zack started before Cloud was quickly shaking his head.

"Yeah you were upset that day…but it was because of me," Cloud continued before dropping his gaze briefly, "you had every right to be. If I hadn't been lying to you then that would've never happened so…it's my fault."

Leaning against Zack, Cloud fisted his hand in the front of the Samurai's attire. "I'm sorry," he said softly as he felt strong arms wrap arm around him.

"Apology not accepted," Zack replied. Cloud looked at him with wide eyes and Zack continued on. "It's not your fault…and it's not mine. It's the Shogun's. The root of our problems is him."

"Fair enough," Cloud said with a nod. After all that was the truth. Their relationship already had its difficulties, but they managed it well enough before hand. Things didn't start to get crazy until the Shogun entered the picture, and with that added stress things had only gotten worse.

"So what are we going to do?" Cloud asked while resting his head under Zack's chin as he gently let his fingers trail across his chest.

"Maybe we can try to convince your dad that he's wrong," Zack spoke up while letting his hand run up and down Cloud's back. "If he did hear it from Aerith somehow…we can tell him that she was mistaken."

"What if she saw us kiss?" Cloud asked, "If she told my dad that…there's no way we can try to lie our way out of that."

"Yeah," Zack agreed with a sigh before Cloud shifted in his arms to wrap his arms around Zack's neck.

"Zack," Cloud started softly with a slight waver in his voice. "I can't…not see you. We've never been apart."

"And we're not going to be," Zack replied without missing a beat. "We'll figure this out. Even if for a while we have to sneak around…we'll do what we have to."

"Promise?" Cloud asked while looking into Zack's eyes. The Samurai could already see the shimmer of unshed tears in those blue eyes and he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against the others lips, trying to will away the sadness and frustration from those innocent eyes.

"Promise," he whispered against Cloud's lips before he felt small hands slide into his hair. He pressed his lips harder against Cloud's this time before letting his tongue slide in and meet the others halfway. He drank in the small, soft moans that Cloud let slip into his mouth before tightening his arms around the smaller frame. Cloud was moving once more, keeping his arms wrapped around Zack's neck but moving one of his legs across the other so that he was now right in front of him and sitting on his lap.

Zack was appreciative of this new position as it allowed Cloud to be pressed up against him closely and in all the right places. His hands had already trailed down to rest on slim hips as he felt hands run down his chest.

"Where's Angeal?" Cloud asked with a blush on his cheeks once they broke their lengthy kiss.

"He'll be gone for a while," Zack explained while pressing kisses against Cloud's collar bone. "He's got meetings lined up all day today, he told me himself."

"Does he know you're here?" Cloud asked, tilting his head a bit when he felt Zack's lips move to his neck.

"Yes," Zack replied with a nod, "I told him I needed to talk to you somewhere privately and he was the one who recommended coming here."

Cloud couldn't help but to smile at those words. Angeal really cared about Zack and it was clearly evident in the things he did at times.

"But we shouldn't" Cloud found himself beginning to say. As much as he wanted Zack at this moment he wasn't sure if it was entirely right to do such a thing at someone else's home.

Zack could understand Cloud's hesitance, it probably was a bit strange. Zack felt comfortable at Angeal's, it was almost like a second home. But he still sort of felt the same, but even having said that…the thought of not being with Cloud…especially when he wasn't sure how long it would be until a moment like this came again given the circumstances, he just couldn't hold back.

"Maybe," Zack continued while sliding his hands up Cloud's sides, "but I want you more than ever right now."

And that was all it took to cause a deep blush to form on Cloud's cheeks before they were at it again. Removing clothes and exchanging kisses and touches. They made love right there on the living room floor, casting aside their worries for the time being and giving themselves completely to each other. It wasn't rushed, but drawn out and savored. They each were thinking of when this would happen again but they didn't voice it aloud and tried to push it to the very back of their minds. They were only able to lay in each others arms afterwards shortly before Cloud was getting up and putting back on his clothes.

"I better go," Cloud started while picking up his obi and beginning to fasten it around his waist.

Sitting up Zack frowned slightly as he watched his boyfriend slip back on his clothes. "You can't stay any longer?"

"No," Cloud continued while looking over to Zack who was now starting to redress as well, "lessons are over by now I'm sure. And I'm supposed to go straight home after those."

"Oh," Zack replied with a nod. They finished dressing in silence and Cloud made his way across the room to pick up his discarded notebook. Once it was in hand he hesitated before looking over towards Zack who had just picked back up his sword and secured it back in its sheath. Their eyes met shortly after and Cloud looked away a little uneasily. It shouldn't be like this…but things suddenly felt so strange.

"I'd walk back with you but…" Zack started while taking a few steps closer to Cloud.

"I know," Cloud said quietly before shifting his gaze back towards Zack.

"Right," Zack replied.

"Okay," Cloud continued before making his way to the door and stopping halfway. No, he couldn't leave like this. It didn't feel right. This wasn't just some casual hookup with someone…this was his boyfriend! He shouldn't have to worry about when would be the next time they could sneak off together just to spend time with each other. Or worry about when would be the next time that he would be able to be held in his arms. It was just…not right. He suddenly felt himself become really overwhelmed, angry and sad all at one time. While he was here with Zack for the short time he was okay, but now that he was getting ready to leave him without knowing for sure when he would see him again…it just hurt too much. Tears had already begun to fall from his eyes and he turned back around towards Zack who immediately held out his arms to him and wrapped him in a fierce embrace.

"It's okay," Zack reassured him gently while running his hands through his hair. He was almost wondering when it would all finally hit Cloud. He had thought that earlier he was trying to be strong and not crumble in front of him, but it seemed as if the reality of their situation hadn't really hit him too strongly until they were getting ready to part.

"When am I going to see you again?" Cloud asked shakily between sobs while clutching onto the other.

"Soon," Zack spoke softly before placing a kiss on top of Cloud's head, "I promise."

They held onto each other for as long as they could before Cloud reluctantly began to pull away. He knew he was already pushing it time wise and he was going to have to race back home to make it within the appropriate time. But before he pulled away completely Zack cupped his face and kissed him with all he had.

"I love you," Zack said once they broke the kiss.

"I love you too," Cloud replied while briefly letting his fingers run along the side of Zack's face before Zack was reaching out and wiping away the last stray tears on the blonds' face. Turning away Cloud made his way towards the door before looking back once more when he had slid the door open. "Bye," he said softly before stepping out of Angeal's quarters and closing the door behind him. The last thing that Zack could hear was Cloud's rapid footsteps going down the hallway as he ran back to his house.


"Cloud," Natsumi's voice drifted through the door as she tapped on it lightly, "dinner's ready."

"I'm not hungry," Cloud replied while leaning over the canvas and lightly sketching on it, keeping his eyes focused and narrowed at the task at hand.

"Sweetie you really should eat something. Please?" Natsumi asked with concern.

"Maybe later," Cloud answered while glancing over to the door.

"Alright," Natsumi began, "I'll save some for you." And with that she walked away from the bedroom and back down the hall. Cloud felt bad, he didn't mean to make his mother worry and he knew she was. This had been the routine for the past week after all. Natsumi would make meals as usual, and Cloud would decline each and every one. His appetite just wasn't like it was supposed to be these days. He would only eat just enough for energy, soup here and there and a little rice, but he hadn't actually sat down for meals with his family. The only time he thought about doing so was when his father was working late, and that was only because he didn't want his mom to eat alone. But even then he just really couldn't bring himself to. He had pretty much barricaded himself up in his room the past week and worked on his art to keep him busy. It was the only thing he could do really to keep his mind off of things and to try to remain. Though it was still hard to accomplish.

It had been a week since he had seen or spoken to Zack, and that was far too long for him. But honestly, there wasn't much he could do. There was a reason why Zack and he often spent nights together. Both of them were busy during the day, and the evening was the only time that they really had for each other. And even that wasn't always a sure thing if Zack had other duties to attend to. But now that Saito had said they couldn't see each other anymore it was impossible to try to work around that. Maybe if Cloud hadn't been practically grounded indefinitely it would be easy to sneak away and meet Zack somewhere, but his father wasn't budging on his word and Cloud had been going straight home from lessons.

He wrote a letter to Zack a few days back and had lingered around outside his class in the halls hoping to catch Reno or Kunsel passing through. Luckily he was able to nab Kunsel and gave him the letter and asked him if he could give it to Zack. Kunsel seemed sort of confused as to why he was becoming the "go between" with Zack and he but Cloud just lied and said that he had been really busy and he didn't have much time to visit with him. The other seemed to buy it however and told Cloud he would give the letter to Zack.

And the very next day Kunsel had spotted Cloud after his lessons and had given him another letter from Zack. It was better than not having contact at all, and Cloud was glad for it. But he also knew they couldn't do this forever, Kunsel wasn't always going to be so accessible and it may start to cause suspicion over time. And if Kunsel were to ever drop one of their letters by accident…no, that wouldn't be good.

Cloud was missing Zack terribly, and even if it had only been a week he wasn't sure how much longer he could do this. Zack had told him they would see each other soon but he knew that was just words of comfort.

Letting out a sigh Cloud leaned back and looked at his work so far on the once blank canvas. He had finally decided what it was he wanted to do with it. It probably seemed simple but to him it meant the most, and now it only seemed to hold an even greater meaning. He had decided to sketch the lake. He and Zack's special place. It only made sense to him for his first painting to be of something that he held most special in his heart, and that was definitely it. When he thought of the lake he thought of Zack, it was the place that kept them together always. He had drew that bad picture for Zack before when they were kids, but this time he was going to get it right, he was going to make it the best he could. He decided to sketch it out first before doing any actual painting, that way he wouldn't have to worry if he messed up or something, he didn't want to ruin his first canvas.

The sound of his door sliding open caused him to look upwards and he was met with his father's gaze before they shifted down towards the canvas. He knew it was his father before even looking up however, he never knocked before entering.

"Your mother says you won't eat," Saito started while looking back towards Cloud.

"I'm just not hungry," Cloud said while going back to work on his picture.

"Well, you don't have you to eat dinner then," Saito replied, still unmoving from his spot.

Looking up once more Cloud gave his dad a bit of a confused look. Was his dad trying to be nice?

"The Shogun's requested your presence tonight," Saito continued while pointing to the canvas, "I assume it has something to do with those pictures of yours. I think in regards to the festival coming up."

My presence…

Shaking his head slowly Cloud spoke up, "I can't go. Besides this isn't for the festival."

"What?" Saito questioned in a stern voice. But Cloud refused to meet his gaze and just kept his eyes looking at the canvas.

"Cloud it wasn't a question, you're going," Saito confirmed before turning to step out of the room.

"No! Please…I don't want to," Cloud quickly called out to his father before he had stepped completely out of the room. Stopping Saito turned around and looked down to his son who looked completely horrified at the thought of going and he let out a small sigh of his own.

"Cloud," he began softly, "You've been moping around here for the past week. And I understand you're angry at me, but you're just a kid. You'll see later what I did was for your own good. And I'm not going to let your disgrace yourself or our family by turning down such an invitation because you're still upset, you've done it once before and I won't allow it again."

No…no, his father was completely wrong. About everything!

"Dad please," Cloud continued before Saito was turning around once more.

"You better get ready," his father said before closing the door behind him and leaving Cloud.


The door closing heavily behind him caused Cloud to jump and a new sense of fear swept over him. He didn't move from his current position, too nervous and scared to do so. He had just been escorted here to the Shogun's chambers by none other than his assistant Elena who told his parents not to worry if Cloud came back home a little late. But his parents didn't seem to have any problem with it at all, especially his father. No matter how much Cloud had begged not to come here, all of his cries seemed to fall upon deaf ears because Saito was having none of it. He had pretty much just tossed his son into the line of fire, completely naïve and unaware of the situation he was putting him in.

"Cloud?" A man's voice called from somewhere further into the lofty quarters, "please do come in."

Sucking in a breath Cloud looked behind him to the heavy doors that had already closed behind him when Elena left. He knew that on the other side of the doors were the two guards who were always here in front of the Shogun's quarters, although he knew he would receive no help from them. Taking a few hesitant steps down the entryway he stopped once he reached the end and was standing in the open space of the living room. He had been in here briefly once before when he was invited to dinner by the Shogun, but that seemed so long ago by now. Looking towards the opposite side of the room he saw the Shogun seated and sipping on what he assumed was a cup of hot tea.

"You're Excellency," Cloud said softly with a bow.

"It's very nice to see you Cloud," Hojo began while setting down his cup on the small table before him, "I wanted to see you sooner but I've had many things to attend to first." Gesturing to the seat across from him the man continued, "Won't you join me?"

"I'm fine…here," Cloud said awkwardly while keeping his eyes averted from the other.

"You seem troubled," Hojo said while rising from his seat and making his way across the room. The subtle movement caught Cloud's attention and he turned his gaze towards the other before taking a step back.

"You must be nervous," Hojo continued when he was in front of the blond, smirking down at him with a certain glint in his eyes. "Surely you know why I called you here."

When Cloud felt fingertips ghost across his cheek he quickly turned his head and took another step back.

"And what's this?" Hojo asked while giving the other a strange look. "Are you just shy or have you forgotten your promise so soon?"

"Forgive me you're Excellency," Cloud started with another bow, "but I cannot honor my word. I feel as if I made that decision without knowing the full truth behind it."

"Truth?" The Shogun asked while narrowing his eyes slightly.

"Yes," Cloud said while carefully turning his eyes back onto the man, "I only said that because I feared my father would lose his position on the council. But if…it could never be in jeopardy from you then…what I said isn't valid at all."

Leaning back Hojo raked his eyes over the smaller one before crossing his arms across his chest and letting a smile tug at the corners of his lips.

"And what makes you think I'm not able to jeopardize his position?" Hojo continued to ask, almost seeming amused by it all.

"I know you can't," Cloud replied, becoming a little bolder in his response. "Shogun or not you can't decide that."

"Is that so?" Hojo began while adjusting his glasses, "care to test me?"

Cloud didn't say anything, he simply held the others gaze. He had to be bluffing; there wasn't anything he could to do to his father's position. Zack had told him even the Shogun didn't have the power to remove someone from the council with no reason at all, and Cloud trusted Zack. He was far more knowledgeable about the council and how it worked than Cloud was.

"Why the sudden change of heart?" Hojo continued while taking a step forward. "Perhaps it has nothing to do with your father anymore but your love for that Samurai. Maybe the guilt of the situation started to eat away at you. Is that it?"

Blue eyes widened and Hojo let out a bit of a laugh.

"I guess it is," he said with a tilt of his head.

"What are you talking about?" Cloud asked as he felt his heart begin to beat faster.

"Zackary Fair is it not?" Hojo asked while looking up in thought, "Hewley's pupil, one of the best young Samurai yet. He's definitely made a name for himself to be so young."

Cloud was still a bit unsure as to why the Shogun seemed to know so much about Zack, and the fact that he seemed to have known something about them was more than a little unsettling. He was almost afraid to question more about it but the man continued to speak, not giving him a chance to say anything even if he wanted.

"I can understand why you would fall for him I suppose," Hojo said with a brief nod, "a shame your father doesn't approve though."

"My father…" Cloud started before trailing off. How did he know that? And where did he find it out from? Did Saito mention something to the Shogun? If it was Aerith he knew that she wouldn't just run off and tell the Shogun for no reason. Not unless… "You told him?"

"Of course I did," Hojo replied before reaching out a hand to run through soft golden hair. "I knew a man like Saito would oppose to something such as that. I made it easier for you Cloud. This way you won't have to feel any guilt with being here with me tonight, since the Samurai is out of the picture."

There was a moment when all Cloud felt was shock and he couldn't really do much or say anything. All he could do was stare with wide eyes and his mouth slightly open. The Shogun…he was the one who had told his father about he and Zack, he was the one who had made it impossible for them to be together, he was the one behind it all! How he found out Cloud could care less at the moment. Once he finally got over the initial shock and surprise he immediately tried to pull away from the fingers that were running through his hair. But Hojo only wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him closer to him.

"Let go!" Cloud cried while pushing against the man. Something inside him seemed to break and he didn't even care if it was the Shogun or not. This man had him on strings like a puppet and he felt like his hands were constantly tied because he was only a kid and this man had more power than he knew. But now, at this moment, knowing that he was the one who had took Zack away…the one person who could keep him sane through all of this…it was too much.

The Shogun didn't seem to happy at this response and a frown settled on his features before he backed Cloud up until he was against the wall, harshly tilting his chin upwards and leaning in close to him.

"You're really trying my patience," Hojo said lowly as Cloud squirmed beneath him. "I've tried to give you several chances to accept this and come to me, but you're not cooperating at all."

A rough kiss was pressed against Cloud's lips and he let out a whimper before continuing to push against the taller man, but he wouldn't budge even a bit.

"Do you understand what you've pushed me to do?" Hojo asked once he broke the kiss, only to continue to press kisses against the delicate skin of Cloud's neck. "I don't think you realize just how nice I've been to you. This was never an option for you Cloud; I could've taken you at any time. I always get what I want."

Feeling himself beginning to panic Cloud tried with all of his strength to push the man away, his words only ripping more into him and making him realize his worst fear was probably very close to coming true. Hojo only leaned against him more, pressing more of his body weight against Cloud's smaller frame before gripping his wrist tightly in his hand to keep him from pushing against him.

"I tried to be patient and wait for you. I didn't want to hurt you. But I'm tired of having you make a fool of me," Hojo continued in between kisses and heavy breathing.

"Don't, please!" Cloud cried while trying to work his trapped hand away from Hojo's grasp as he felt the man's hand slide in between their bodies and begin to unfasten the obi around his waist.

"Nobody's coming for you this time Cloud," Hojo said huskily before nipping at the boy's ear. "Try to call for Angeal or your Samurai. They won't come. Nor will your father, he was more than happy to send you here after all."

Cloud tried to speak, but his words got caught in his throat as tears already began to spill down his face. The Shogun was right, there was nobody to come help him now and there wasn't anything he could do to get out of this.


A/N: And here is chap 11! Aah I know a lot happened in this and a lot more of it will be cleared up in the next chapter. I know many people are like "Hojo omg eww no!!" Lol so I tried to keep this end tame for you guys, but I need to warn you this was just to get you all cautioned for what is to come. And I couldn't help but to laugh while writing the part about Zack and Cloud at Angeal's...he so should've walked in! XD So Saito forbid Cloud from seeing Zack anymore because of what the Shogun told him! Hmm, what did he tell Saito exactly anyways? And now that Hojo thinks he has Zack out of the picture will he be able to keep Cloud to himself? And is Aerith innocent in all this or is Cloud right about her? I still have another character to introduce later in the story so yeah, wonder who it could be! Thanks so much for you guys reviews and messages, they mean so much! Until next update!