Death: I can't believe myself. Also, I made a harmless jab at Genesis and Gackt.

Chapter Eleven Midgar

=3=

Midgar was a mixture of many things. It was grand, modern, and very big. Within Midgar was a large sum of human population rivaled by no other city on the planet.

And it was all due to the reactors.

Cloud felt sick. The reactors were taking the life force of the planet. This was the source of sorrow the Goddess has been feeling as of late. And it wasn't just the reactors that she was weeping for.

Even in the helicopter, Cloud sensed the pain and suffering of those who lived underneath the plate. From Sephiroth's memories, the Upper Plate was where the rich and important people lived. They lived a life of prosperity, and hardly experienced any hardships in their lives.

Under the plate was the complete opposite. People barely scraped by for what little food they could afford. They had little to no luxury, nothing but to do what they must to survive.

This is...so much. So much pain. I don't know if I can do this.

(You must. The Ancient is here, somewhere. I can't search anything without drawing suspicion, however you have free reign.) Sephiroth hesitated, but with awkwardness he snaked an arm around the smaller body, sensing that Cloud needed it.

(I don't recall Junon having this effect on you.)

(That's because I was more concerned about helping the people. If Genesis hadn't been a distraction, then I would have been distraught over what they did to that tiny town underneath.)

(Then I imagine Midgar will be much worse on you.)

(It's just so much to take in. I...I don't know how to not drown in the turmoil of this city.) Cloud leaned into the general, grateful of the affection.

(Focus on me. I have been raised here, so I have learned to tune it out. Whenever you feel lost in the lingering emotions of despair, I will be your beacon in the darkness.)

And so Cloud did. He closed his eyes and focused on the general. He felt his presence, at first once intimidating and cold, but now warm and inviting. And he was only like this towards Cloud. He didn't understand how he was special, but he wasn't going to question it.

They saw each other's deepest regrets, turmoil, and haunted pasts. In doing so they shared a bond stronger than with anyone else. Cloud never imagined experiencing a bond deeper than with his twin, but now he was. This bond with Sephiroth, is a much more intimate and ran deep to his core.

"It's so pretty. And big..." Tifa stared in awe.

"You've never been outside Nibelheim, huh?" Zack teased, remembering his first time he set eyes on Midgar.

"I've never even dreamed of reaching here. And look where I am now." She was still in awe of the glittering lights and tall buildings seemingly able to reach the stars.

"Well, Midgar is the city of a new start. You and Cloud earned it." The lieutenant stated with gentle fondness.

Soon enough they prepared to land. The helicopter began to wobble a bit. Sephiroth was immediately peeking into the cockpit to find Reno struggling with the control.

"Let me land, Reno." Rude spoke with urgency.

"I...I can do this..." Obviously the redhead was too prideful.

"If you crash, there's two civilians, your fellow comrade, and two of the best of SOLDIER on your head." Sephiroth warned.

"I...fine." Reno relented, switching to autopilot. The aircraft straightened out and hovered for a few seconds before Rude took control and safely landed.

"Why did they make you pilot under your condition?" Sephiroth inquired.

"Fuckin hell if I know. They needed Cissi for another mission, and they probably wanted their damned reports in about Nibelheim." Reno was shaking, visibly torn up about his fuck up that could very well have ended badly.

Sephiroth didn't know how to respond, so he simply followed the other passengers outside. Finally they could stretch their legs after that long flight. Of course they weren't alone, as a few people came forward to greet them.

"Ah, nice to see you alive. I had been wondering what became of your fate after Nibelheim." Hojo addressed Sephiroth first.

"Do you doubt my abilities so much?" Sephiroth coldly responded.

"Of course not, I was simply stating on how long it would take for your return." The elder was annoyed, now.

Cloud noticed a Turk, but didn't get a good look at him when someone next to him began to stumble. Acting upon instinct the blonde reached out and steadied the other, and only then did he realize he had Reno leaning on him for support.

"Reno, what happened?" The other Turk drew closer, voice stern yet his eyes were filled with concern.

"Hit my head pretty bad. Boss ordered me to come back and escort these guys." Reno didn't have it in him to be his cheeky old self.

"Tseng, we need to speak to you." Rude addressed, his voice straining.

So this is Tseng. Cloud studied the man curiously.

He was about average height, if on the tall side. He had obvious Wuitain heritage with his almond shaped eyes and heart shaped face. Not to mention the dot in the middle of his forehead was a dead giveaway.

"Can't it wait? I don't feel so well, yo. I just want to sleep." Reno grimaced, knowing he's about to have an earful for that.

"You can't sleep while having a concussion, Reno. Let's head to my office while your memory is still fresh." Tseng sighed, taking a step to turn and leave.

Cloud yelped as suddenly the weight on him was heavy. He almost dropped Reno, but quickly steadied him. He paled upon seeing the redhead had fainted due to a mix of exhaustion, his injury and overworking himself.

"I'll take him to the infirmary." Tseng collected the redhead in his arms. Dark brown eyes lifted to Cloud's. "You are Cloud Strife, correct?"

"Yeah, guess word travels fast." Cloud blinked, although he shouldn't be this surprised.

"I would like to thank you on behalf of the Turks for your efforts. Losing a valuable member would have been devastating." Tseng was studying him, and Cloud couldn't read the emotions fast enough to calculate what he was thinking.

"It was nothing, really. I would have done it for anyone." Cloud played off the noble country boy well.

"Such a rarity. I will be looking forward to getting to know you more. Until next time." Tseng politely turned and left with Rude at his heels.

"Wow...I've never seen him warm up to someone that quickly. Took me months to get on his good side." Zack observed with awe.

"Cloud is Cloud." Tifa giggled.

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Cloud pouted as Zack laughed.

"So. These two helped you out of Nibelheim?" A voice interrupted the giddy atmosphere.

Cloud refrained from glaring at Hojo. Tifa at least had the good graces to respond kindly. She recited the story Genesis and Sephiroth had gone over with them most of the day.

"Yeah, Mister Fair here got himself injured. Cloud and I helped him escape the burning. We met General Sephiroth a little ways down the road and stuck together." She never faltered, the lie came out smooth and sweet as honey.

"Hmm." Hojo studied them with a critical eye. His gaze didn't stay with Tifa for very long, as he was more curious about Cloud. His eyes lingered on the blonde, and he felt his skin crawl.

"Ah, there's mako in your eyes. How did that happen?" Hojo observed with growing curiosity.

"I fell into a pool of mako as a kid." Cloud came up with the lie on the spot.

"Oh really? Not so bright, were you?" Hojo scrutinized, and Cloud wavered.

"That was my fault." Tifa piped up, and eyes turned to her with surprise. "When I was little, my mom died. I had this silly belief that if I climbed over Mt. Nibel, I would meet my mom. And the old bridge collapsed on us, and Cloud took the worst of the fall for me."

"Ah, the old legend of Mt. Nibel reaching the realm of the Old Gods." Hojo recognized the lore. "It was an interesting concept, sadly not at all true."

"I found that out the hard way. I was in a coma for three months." Tifa stated, and Hojo seemed to believe her.

"I would ask you both questions, but alas I have to get back to work. General, if you would please, I would like to have a word with you."

"Can't it wait until the morning? The last few days have been...exhausting." Sephiroth wasn't in the mood for stupid set of tests. "Plus, until the Turks deliver their promise of a pass for these two, and a place to put them, the responsibility falls unto me to provide shelter."

For an intense moment, Hojo wanted to argue. But he remembered there were people around, and with a huff he gave in, much to everyone's relief.

"Very well. And if you're so concerned, set them up in one of your condos until the Turks set up their compensation." He left, hands behind his back as he walked.

"Sweet! Seph's condos are the bomb! So, anyone want a movie night?" Zack was eager to sit back and relax with everyone else.

"I would love to, but I need a bath. And then sleep. Today did a number on me. Been too long since I went all out in a fight, you know." Tifa yawned.

"What about you, Cloud?" Zack frowned when he saw the tormented expression on the blonde's face.

"Cloud? Spike? You there, buddy?"

"Huh? Sorry, I got distracted." Cloud snapped out of his reverie.

"By what?" Zack blinked, now worrying over the strange behavior.

"Midgar is...overwhelming." Cloud was losing his senses, being overrided by the constant noises of the city and the planet.

He heard more voices, but they were drowned out. All Cloud could hear was a roar, and the heaviness of years of pain and suffering within the city hit his chest. Everything was so intense, he was losing himself.

(Cloud. Focus on me.)

Why was it so hard to breathe?

(Because you're hyperventilating. Focus, breathe with me.)

Cloud found it hard to focus with his head swimming.

(Close your eyes. Focus only on my presence. Remember what I told you.)

Why was he on his knees? Cloud didn't remember stumbling. He could vaguely recall concerned voices, but he couldn't understand their words. He swore his eyes were closed, all he could see was swirling darkness. But he realized they weren't when his eyes strained, watering from not blinking for so long.

(Cloud. Relax, focus.)

Cloud wasn't aware he was screaming. He couldn't hear anything above the roar and screams that echoed all around. His skin crawled as he felt the reactors pulling the blood of the planet, draining her dry. He felt nothing but the anger, despair, and hopelessness. He sunk deeper and deeper into the silent storm building up within Midgar.

He briefly felt something cold against his neck and then nothing.

=3=

Sephiroth carefully held the sleeping form protectively. He had used a Sleep materia on the blonde when he went out of control. He was now starting to have doubts if they could really pull this off. If Cloud couldn't keep himself together, then they would have to make changes.

"Is he going to be all right?" Tifa was scared.

"We'll see once he awakens. Zack, you are relieved from service for the night. If need be, take the next few days off. Miss Lockhart, I will show you to one of my spare condos." Sephiroth was eager to retire for the night.

"Isn't there anything I can do? I mean, c'mon Seph, he's our friend, too." Zack ran a hand through his mess of hair.

"If it's not too much trouble, if I give you the key card, would you take her to the condo? It's the one you've crashed at before."

"Angeal's old unit? Really?"

"No, that one is yours. I was going to give her Genesis' condo." Sephiroth knew better than to place the girl in a dead man's home.

"Oh. Well, then. I know he won't mind." Zack snickered. "Yeah, I'll do it. You take care of Spike."

"Thank you." Sephiroth fished for the key card, all the while keeping balance of his charge in his arms. He awkwardly handed it over, and Zack accepted it without comment.

Without another word Sephiroth continued his way to his own condo. He hardly used it, as he mostly lived in the office. But the office wasn't the right place for the blonde, he needed a more relaxing setting. Within a short time he reached his floor, and to his luck Sephiroth didn't meet anyone along the way.

Explaining why he was carrying an unconscious blonde swordsman to his living space instead of the infirmary would be difficult to explain. Plus, Sephiroth didn't need any rumors to start. His fans would never let this one die for years to come.

Upon entering, Sephiroth placed Cloud in a chair and removed First Tsurugi from the straps. He carefully placed it against the wall of the master bedroom. He then took care to remove Cloud's boots, the straps specially made for his weapon, and with it went the strange cloth he used over one leg.

Sephiroth thought for a moment, but decided to remove the gloves. He placed them on a table, and with that he carried Cloud over to the bedroom. He only had one bed, but it was more than big enough for the both of them.

And Cloud did agree to a relationship. The interest was clearly there, even if they were both a bit timid. After their previous relationships, it wasn't hard to figure out why. Sephiroth changed out of his uniform and into simple pajama bottoms before joining the blonde to bed.

Sleep wouldn't come for several more hours, and Sephiroth knew this. Instead of his usual routine to work, he watched Cloud slumber. He was much more peaceful than before. Sephiroth hoped it would remain that way, else the plan would have to drastically change.

Doesn't help Reno is curious of him.

Sephiroth felt a pang of possessiveness at the thought. He had to remind himself Cloud's only attractions were green eyes, and more recently power. Although Reno had green eyes, he wasn't strong enough to overwhelm Cloud. At least not in a fair fight.

Cloud stirred, and Sephiroth tensed. The blonde didn't wake up, he simply snuggled closer to the general for warmth. Sephiroth was a space heater, at least that was what Genesis always referred to him as. Seems Cloud liked cuddling as well.

Tentatively, as if afraid Cloud would wake up and reject the action, Sephiroth wrapped an arm around the petite figure. He relaxed as the blonde snuggled closer, their legs entangling. Sephiroth watched over Cloud until sleep overcame him.

In the early hours of the morning, Cloud stirred. He became aware of everything at once. One, he was in a large and comfortable bed. Two, his back was pressed against another body. A very nice and warm body.

Cloud's eyes shot open and jerked awake. The action made the arm wrapped around his waist tighten their hold on him. It was slightly painful, and Cloud instinctively arched his back, only to gasp. His rear end rubbed against a massive hard on, and the blonde guardian released a quiet moan in his dazed state.

Oh sweet Mother Gaia he's huge.

Cloud couldn't help himself. He pressed harder against the delicious feeling, as his mind raced with lewd images of having it inside and stretching him to his limit and pounding ruthlessly into him. He whimpered as he felt the length tease his entrance through their clothing.

He wasn't aware Sephiroth was awake until a hand found a perk nipple and teeth nibbled on a pale neck. Cloud cried out in pleasure as he squirmed. His body couldn't decide which to lean into, the torturous hand in front or the throbbing cock behind him.

"Such ludicrous thoughts, Cloud. Shall I punish you for them? Or reward you for the pleasant imagery?" Sephiroth's voice was heavy with lust and need, and the blonde shivered against him.

(I was right, my voice does things to you.) Sephiroth smirked at the discovery.

"You - hah - kidding? Your voice had me - ngh - weak in the knees since - ah! - we met." Cloud admitted out loud in between gasps and moans.

He felt the general stiffen behind him. Cloud allowed himself a victorious smile. He never felt so giddy in his entire life.

(Knew you would get excited from my voice. I've been told my voice is heavenly when I'm turned on.) The blonde teased.

(Right you are. But we still haven't decided on whether I punish or reward you. Whatever happened to "take it slow"?)

Sephiroth thrusted his hips, snarling as Cloud moaned oh so sweetly. The blonde began to thrust back over and over. As wonderful as this was, the general gripped Cloud's hips tightly to make him stop.

(Are we taking this slow, or not?) Sephiroth was steadily losing rationality as the primal need to take this willing and delightful body was close to taking over him.

(How about baby steps?) Cloud compromised, feeling the same.

"Then suck me with that pretty mouth of yours." Sephiroth growled, gratified by the gasp and shivering he received in response.

"Anything for you. Sir." Cloud teased with a sly smirk.

"So compliant." Sephiroth chuckled as he moved to sit on the edge of his side of the bed. Cloud understood the meaning and crawled around the general, placing himself on the floor with his face perfectly lined up with Sephiroth's lap.

Cloud found himself excited at the sight of it. The hard length was bigger than Cloud had ever seen, and it didn't deter him from reaching up with a hand. It was hot and straining from lack of attention, the head was red. Eager for a taste Cloud dove in.

He tastes just as he smelled.

He would have smiled at the groan of pleasure from Sephiroth, if Cloud had any room to smile at the moment. The blonde used his years of practice with Cirrus to work on the new shaft he would be obsessing over for the rest of his life, or so he hoped. Cloud wasn't bothered by the pain in his jaw, he wanted to hear more sounds of pleasure from Sephiroth.

From the shared memories, Sephiroth was a quiet and reserved lover. But Cloud wanted to hear him gasp, groan, or even better cry out Cloud's name. And he sensed the general's surprise when in no time the blonde had a little over half the shaft.

"Ah...Cloud..." Sephiroth gasped, breath hitching at the sight before him. The general groaned when blue eyes met his gaze, and never had Sephiroth felt so deeply intimate with another being, not even with Genesis.

Cloud eased his throat and eagerly sucked. He slowly took more in all the while he stared into mako green eyes. Sephiroth figured out what the blonde was trying to do, and a hand was in soft spikes.

"Wait...Cloud you don't have to. Not even Genesis could..." Sephiroth hissed as Cloud was so tantalizingly close to taking him entirely in his mouth. His hand gripped blonde hair tightly as he resisted from thrusting his hips into the hot and inviting mouth.

Sephiroth wanted to see if Cloud actually could.

He watched as the blonde overcame the last inch, his cute nose nuzzling silver curls. Sephiroth couldn't even think from the sensation he felt of the wet and hot mouth around him. The general found breathing difficult, and he couldn't take anymore of the intense blue eyes staring into his soul.

"Cloud...Cloud!" Sephiroth cried out, throwing his head back as he finally thrusted into the inviting mouth.

Cloud committed this moment to memory of Sephiroth calling his name in pleasure. Not to mention he enjoyed the sight of long silver hair flowing in the air from jerking his head back. Cloud was possessive in his own way, rather to make his lovers remember him by and only think of him when they're horny.

Sephiroth would certainly remember this.

(Let it all out, general. I can take it.) Cloud placed his hands on strong thighs, loving the feel of muscles underneath.

It was all the encouragement Sephiroth needed. His hand kept the blonde head still and let go of his self control. He thrusted mercilessly into the wet mouth, groaning as he did. Never before was he given full control in situations like this, for Genesis had his limits and often fought back for the usual power struggle between them.

In a short time Sephiroth reached his peak faster than ever before. He cried out Cloud's name, all the while he painfully forced the blonde to stay still and swallow his load. A part of him felt guilty, but he was testing a boundary to further ingrain Cloud into his mind as a more suitable lover.

To his delight Cloud greedily swallowed it all like a pro. Sephiroth was left shaking as he struggled to regulate his breathing. He loosened his grip in the soft blonde spikes, massaging the area that he knew was tender to the touch. Cloud slowly withdrew, his cheeks blushing and there was a satisfactory smile on his face.

"What about you...?" Sephiroth noted the throbbing hardness in the Cloud's pants.

"I'll be fine. I made you make noises and called out my name. That's enough for me." The blonde breathed, still relishing the unique taste in his sore mouth.

Suddenly Cloud was lifted and and tossed onto the bed. Sephiroth hovered over him, staring intently into blue eyes. Cloud was entranced, unable to look away.

"You are mine, now. Just as I am yours, I won't leave you hanging after all you've done for me. Just because I enjoy full control in bed doesn't mean you're just a tool for my own pleasure." Sephiroth undid the belt and skillfully pulled the pants down.

Cloud yelped from the cool air hitting him as his lower half was exposed. He was going to inform Sephiroth he didn't have to when a mouth engulfed him. Cloud released unintelligible noises as he lost himself over the edge. It didn't take long for him to release with Sephiroth's name escaped his lips.

"I thought you didn't...?" Cloud was at a loss for words.

"You taste better. Nothing like overly sweet vanilla." Sephiroth admitted. "Though...I will only occasionally do that. Its not something I'm used to."

"That's fine." Cloud flashed a grin.

"So, now will you be able to focus and not be overwhelmed by Midgar's turmoil?" Sephiroth raised a brow with his inquiry, noting the blonde wasn't as bad as the night before.

"I...I think I'm okay. It was a lot to take in." Cloud could still feel the planet's pain, but he wasn't drowning in it as he was the previous night.

"Good. You had me worried we would have to change tactics." Sephiroth was relieved. He was about to say more but then his PHS beeped. He checked the messages carefully.

"What is it?" Cloud sensed something was off.

"The Turks want you and Tifa a verbal report on what happened at Nibelheim. Do you remember what we covered yesterday?"

"I remember. I'm ready for them." Cloud began to fix his pants.

"Be careful." Sephiroth didn't have to say it, but he wanted to say it anyway.

"I always am." Cloud smiled, grateful for the support.