Some Where I Belong
Chapter 14
Hollow and Alone
Cloud sat up in his bed staring out the window. Today was the day the police were coming to inspect their living conditions and not only that, but they were bringing Child Services with them. It was their worst fear coming true, something they've been working to avoid since their mother abandoned them. It's now that Cloud began to question the preparations. They stocked the house with food and repaired every part of the house that looked suspicious, including his room. Though the police knew that Cloud had been raped, he was sure Child Services would be all over that with questions like, 'Where was your mother?' and 'What were you doing home alone?'. Cloud put his hands on head. /There's no way we're going to make it past this inspection. It's all over for us now. They're going to take us away and put us in foster homes and Sephiroth, Angeal, and Genesis will be sent to jail. And I'm the one to blame; I should've just left Aerith alone...but my anger took over and I couldn't control myself and now everyone's suffering because of me. /
Cloud wiped away a single tear that escaped his eye. /I don't exactly call this house a home and I don't consider these people to be my family, but this house...these people are the closest things I'll ever have. If I were to lose it all today, I can't even fathom the thought. I'm going to try my hardest to look happy and normal, though I'm attempting the impossible. / He looked from the window to the floor where he had been raped. /We're not only fooling them, but ourselves. This house in not a home. It's just a sanctuary belonging to the most terrible and hurtful memories in my life. When they do a walkthrough of the house, they won't know that the front door they walk through is the same door our mother walked out of when she abandoned us, or how Sephiroth chased out my rapist with a knife in the kitchen; they won't notice that underneath the freshly painted bathroom walls is my blood stained everywhere after I tried to commit suicide, or that I fought for my life in that tub with a rapist trying to escape. They won't know when they walk into my room that this is where my soul was literally ripped out of my body by a stranger. They will have absolutely no idea that they've just walked into my living hell. /
/They'll just witness the greatest performance of our lives at the attempt at the perfect family. Hell even Angeal's risen to the occasion as the dead-beat dad trying to be part of our lives. I just hope that it's enough. /
Cloud got off his bed and looked in the mirror; he began fixing his hair and placing gloves over his hands and arms to hide his freshly carved cuts from yesterday night. He sighed; that was something he didn't want to think about. There was a knock on the door and Yazoo's voice was heard. "Can I come in?" Cloud opened the door and Yazoo walked in smiling and handed Cloud a new outfit. "I figured that if we were going to have visitors, might as well look our best right? I've been saving up money for awhile now and I had enough to by myself, you, Kadaj, and Loz a new outfit each." Yazoo smiled. "I hope you like it." Cloud looked up at Yazoo, his eyes soft. "You didn't have to, Yazoo. That was your money to spend on yourself." Yazoo replied, "But I wanted to and, like you said, it was my money, so I had the right to choose how I spent it. Now put it on; it'll be nice since we haven't gotten new clothes in forever."
Cloud nodded and hugged Yazoo. "Thank you."
Yazoo smiled and hugged Cloud back. "You're welcome."
"How are things going downstairs?" Cloud asked.
"Good. Sephiroth's making sure everything's perfect and Genesis doesn't look too bad dressed as a woman." Yazoo giggled.
"And Angeal?" Cloud asked.
"He looks like the perfect father figure. With a dress shirt, tie, glasses, and a newspaper. Kind of makes me wish we actually had someone in our lives like that growing up." Yazoo smiled sadly.
Cloud nodded understanding. Yazoo shrugged. "Well, I'm going to go help Kadaj and Loz get ready, so if you need anything just ask, ok?" Cloud nodded and Yazoo left the room.
Cloud began removing his night clothes and started putting on his new outfit. When he finished, he looked in the mirror and was wearing a stylish black collared, long sleeved, cuffed shirt. The pants were casual and comfortable black jeans. Yazoo obviously knew how to dress somebody. It was odd seeing himself in new clothing and just a little unsettling looking nice for once since he wasn't used to it. He fixed up his hair a bit more and headed out of his room into the bathroom. He walked in and began brushing his teeth. After he was finished, he stood still for a moment, taking it all in. The room had been cleaned of all evidence of his pain. He felt the sudden urge to scrape off the fresh paint on the walls and reveal the blood stains, but didn't. It was like his struggle had been completely erased and meant nothing. He quickly walked out of the bathroom and headed downstairs.
Sephiroth sighed and smiled at his work. "Perfect, just like my ass." Genesis choked on his drink and Angeal shook his head. The living room had been cleaned and looked completely inviting. Sephiroth moved over to Angeal and pulled on his tie. "Father, I've been a naughty boy and I think I need a spanking." He flirted and Angeal pushed him away. "Sephiroth, please not right now." He pouted. "What's wrong with right now?" Angeal shook his head. "This is not the time to play around. We have a very serious matter on our hands. Please focus on trying to be a presentable son." Sephiroth flipped his hair. "Fine, but after this is over, I'm doing you." He then walked away into the kitchen. "While you're still in that outfit!" He yelled.
Angeal shook his head and Genesis smirked. "Oh, dear don't worry. I'm sure your sex appeal will persuade anyone into believing this is a secure home. You look as handsome as the night Sephiroth was made." Genesis winked and Angeal rolled his eyes. Genesis was wearing a blonde wig and a red house dress with black heels. "We look like a totally do-able couple. They'll probably try contacting us for an affair long after this visit." Angeal shook his head. "Your confidence amazes me." Genesis smirked. "And your ass amazes me." Angeal groaned. "I can't wait until this is over."
Cloud stood at the entrance into the front room staring at Angeal. Genesis and Angeal both looked up at Cloud.
"You know we never knew our father." He said softly.
Angeal looked at Cloud and his eyes softened. "I'm sorry about that."
"If I had known my father, I'd want him to look just as you do now." Cloud said.
Genesis looked at Angeal and Angeal just kept looking at Cloud, his eyes full of compassion.
"When I was little I used to wait out on the porch on Father's Day, thinking that on that day my father would come and I'd finally get to meet him. My mom would always try to get me to come back in the house, but I'd always throw a fit saying that if I wasn't out there I'd miss him." Cloud looked down. "Pretty stupid of me, now that I think about it."
"That's not stupid at all Cloud." Angeal protested.
"It was the same every year at school. Everyone would make something special for their dad in class, but I was the only one that never got to. So I just made something for my mom instead." He explained. "I used to wonder why I didn't have a dad. I asked Sephiroth one day and he said it was because he didn't love me. After that, I never waited on the porch again, convinced I was unwanted."
Angeal then stood up and pulled Cloud into a tight embrace. He then said. "That's not true, Cloud. You weren't unwanted. I'm sure your father just wasn't ready to take the responsibility that comes along with raising children. He probably thought it best if he wasn't in your life. I'm sure there isn't a day that goes go by that he doesn't think about you. Same with your mother."
Cloud looked up at Angeal and spoke softly. "You're going to be an amazing father one day Angeal and I envy your future children. I wish that you were my real father."
Angeal smiled softly. "I'm just glad I can be here for you all."
Sephiroth then spoke. "Very touching. You two should star in a soap opera."
Cloud then pulled away from Angeal and looked down. "Sephiroth, enough." Angeal said, sitting back down next to Genesis. Sephiroth walked over to Cloud and pulled his face to his. "Our father never gave a damn. Get over it, you're not a kid anymore. Even though you still act like a little bitch." He then let go of Cloud and began walking upstairs.
Angeal then snapped at Sephiroth. "Sephiroth, that was uncalled for!" Sephiroth oohed. "Wow, Angeal you're a great actor; you've got that father charade down perfectly." Sephiroth then continued his way up the stairs. "Oh, and I know you're looking at my ass right now as I walk up these stairs." Sephiroth laughed coldly and he could be heard mumbling. "Gucci or Prada?" Yazoo could be heard replying. "Prada."
Cloud stood there looking down. It was times like these that he remembered how cruel Sephiroth actually was.
Flashback
"Mom, I'm home!" Cloud yelled as he entered the house. He shut the door behind him and ran into the kitchen. "Mom?" Cloud looked around, but his mother wasn't there. He then ran upstairs and yelled out. "Mom? Where are you?" He opened the door to her room, but she wasn't in there. He then ran back down the stairs and found Sephiroth sitting in the living room, his face tear stricken and in his hands he clutched a note. Cloud approached Sephiroth slowly and said. "Sephiroth, ...are you ok?" Sephiroth didn't say anything; he just quickly wiped his tears away. "Where's mom?"
"She's gone." Sephiroth said. "She's abandoned us."
Cloud stood there unable to comprehend. "What? What do you mean abandoned?"
"She left us and she's never coming back!" Sephiroth replied, taking deep breaths.
Cloud's eyes started to water and he found it harder to breath. "B-but w-why would s-she leave?"
Sephiroth looked at Cloud coldly. "Because of you. She left because of you!"
"M-me?" Cloud sunk to his knees.
"It's all your fault; mother couldn't stand you anymore. So she left, not being able to handle your damn needs! You've always been so needy, Cloudy!" Sephiroth claimed.
"But I-I never did anything b-bad d-did I? S-she said I was a g-good boy." Cloud cried.
"She lied!" Sephiroth yelled.
"W-why w-would mother lie t-to m-me?" Cloud asked helplessly.
"Mother didn't want to hurt your feelings at the time. But it got to be too much; she couldn't take it any longer." Sephiroth said.
"T-take w-what?" Cloud asked.
"She couldn't take pretending that she loved you any longer." Sephiroth replied cold heartedly.
Cloud broke down hyperventilating and crying violently, trying to catch his breath. Sephiroth then walked past him and looked back. "You'll never see mother again."
End Flashback
That had been the worst day of Cloud's life. He would never forget that day, never. It was also the first and last time he's seen Sephiroth cry. Until this day, Cloud had believed that he had been the reason his mother left, but now he's not so sure. There has to be another reason behind it, but Cloud just didn't know what that reason was. The only one that knows is Sephiroth. He heard yelling and complaining as Kadaj and Loz walked downstairs. "I can't believe Yazoo bought us the same leather jacket to wear!" Kadaj yelled.
"I know! Shit, it's not like we're twins." Loz added.
"We're triplets to be exact." Yazoo said smiling.
"Doesn't mean we should wear the same damn thing!" Kadaj yelled.
Yazoo shrugged. "I'm not wearing the same thing as you guys. So I really don't give a damn."
"Besides Kadaj, the leather jacket will take the attention off your big ass." Loz smirked.
"You're the one with the double bubble jumbo-sized ass, Loz!" Kadaj yelled and lunged at Loz, but Sephiroth pulled him back. "No fighting damnit!"
Kadaj stood there pissed that he couldn't hit Loz and Yazoo slapped him on the ass to provoke him more. "What the hell, Yazoo!?" Yazoo shrugged and walked away. "I hate this family!" Kadaj yelled. Sephiroth replied. "The feeling's mutual."
Genesis sat up quickly when he saw three cars park in front of the house through the window. "Is everyone ready?" Everyone froze and looked at Sephiroth. "Everyone go into the front room and wait in there. Angeal and Genesis get over here now." Everyone went to their assigned spots and waited. Cloud could feel his heart pounding in his chest with fear. /Here it goes. /
There was a knock on the door and Angeal waited a few seconds before opening it.
"Hello, is this the home of the Strife's?" A middle aged lady asked. Behind her stood two cops and one other man.
Angeal smiled. "Why yes it is. Please, come inside." He said, opening the door wider so they could walk in. They entered the house and immediately began scanning it with their eyes. "So you must have been informed about our visit?" Angeal nodded. "Yes, we were. Let me introduce ourselves properly. My name is Angel Strife and this is my former wife Jenova Strife." Genesis shook all their hands. "It's so very nice to meet you all." He said in a seductive tone.
"Allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is Andy Kemlie and this is Lila Grain, we're from Child Services." Andy explained.
"I'm officer Juden and this is officer Linel." Juden introduced.
Genesis practically froze when he laid eyes on officer Linel; it was the same cop that had stopped them for speeding, the cop that Sephiroth French kissed. He almost wanted to laugh; he was sure Angeal noticed as well. They were royally screwed.
Flashback
The three were driving down the street when Sephiroth sighed with boredom. He then smirked and said. "How about we spice up this little drive, shall we?" Angeal looked at Sephiroth from the passenger seat. "How about no." Sephiroth then looked at Genesis from his rear view mirror. "What says you good looking?" Genesis smirked. "Ripples form on the water's surface. Quietly but surely." Sephiroth rolled his eyes. "Forget your opinions, bitches, I'm running this shit." Sephiroth then pushed on the acceleration and the car began roaring down the street. Angeal held on to his seat. "Hey, hey. Calm down, you're going to make us crash!" Genesis looked up apathetically. "Or even worse, make us get a speeding ticket." Sephiroth continued to push the gas when out of nowhere he saw flashing lights appear behind him. "Shit!" Sephiroth cursed as Genesis, without taking his eyes off his book, said. "I told you so." Angeal sighed and put his hands over his face. "Why do I hang out with you guys?" Genesis quickly replied. "Because we're sexy." Sephiroth then pulled the car over slowly and the police car stopped behind him. The cop slowly stepped out of the car and headed to Sephiroth's window. Sephiroth looked back at Angeal and Genesis and winked. "Don't worry, boys. I've got this."
Sephiroth rolled down his window as the cop approached. The cop looked at Sephiroth and said. "Ma'am, would you please step out of the car." Genesis almost choked and Angeal suppressed a laugh. Genesis then muttered. "Well that should work to your advantage..."
Sephiroth flipped his hair and stepped out. "Ma'am, I'll have to check your blood and alcohol levels." Sephiroth then swiftly grabbed the cop by his tie and said. "I know of an easier way to check that." He then aggressively began to French kiss the cop. Angeal almost threw up. After one long minute, Sephiroth let go and asked seductively. "Taste any alcohol officer?" The flustered cop shook his head. "No, I didn't." Sephiroth smirked. "Good." He then opened his door and got back into the car. Before driving off, he looked at the officer. "By the way, nice tongue." With that, Sephiroth sped down the road leaving behind a flustered cop. Genesis shook his head. "You whore."
End flashback
"So you two aren't married anymore?" Lila asked.
Angeal shook his head. "No, but I'd like to be again. I was never an active part in my children's life; they've barely just known me. When they were born, I was having a difficult time adjusting to fatherhood and I couldn't handle it at the time. So I left, choosing not to be a part of their lives. But now I've decided that I was ready to get to know them and came back to Jenova. She's chosen to take me back." Angeal smiled at Genesis and kissed him on the cheek.
Lila nodded and wrote something down. "I see."
"May we take a look around?" Andy asked and Angeal nodded. They entered the living room and spotted the five brothers. Lila smiled. "These must be the children."
Angeal then said." These are our sons: Sephiroth, Cloud, Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo."
Lila and Andy immediately began walking over to them and Sephiroth oohed when he saw officer Linel blushing at him. He winked and licked his lips. Officer Linel quickly cleared his throat and looked away. Lila went up to Yazoo and extended her hand. "Hi, I'm Lila and you are?"
"Yazoo." Yazoo said as sweet as possible.
"You must be the youngest of the triplets then. You're a very pretty girl." She smiled.
"Actually, he's a boy." Sephiroth pointed out. Kadaj and Loz laughed.
"Oh! I'm sorry, my mistake." She apologized.
"It's ok." Yazoo smiled.
Andy then walked over and approached Cloud. "You must be Cloud." Cloud nodded, but said nothing. "We know a lot about you. I'd like to talk to you about what happened. Please come with me." He said and Cloud got up from his seat. Andy motioned for Angeal and Genesis to follow as well. He turned to officer Juden and Linel and told them to wait outside. They all walked into the kitchen and took a seat.
"We've been informed about the incident involving your son." Andy said looking at Cloud. "And we're concerned that Cloud and your other children aren't being treated properly. May I ask where you were the day your son was raped?"
/This is exactly what I expected. I knew that they were going to use what happened to me to attack Angeal and Genesis directly. I don't know how they're going to counter this one. I just hope they're as good as liars as I think they are and if they're not...I don't know what's going to happen to us. Even though Andy and Lila are trying to put up the 'nice' front, I can tell their main goal is to take us away from here and put us in foster homes and probably get us therapy. I hate them already. /
"I wasn't in my son's life then." Angeal said. Andy then looked at Genesis and he replied. "I was working, making sure my sons had food on the table." Andy shook his head. "Ms. Strife, your son is underage, he shouldn't be home alone."
"Honestly, Andy the boy is sixteen I trust my son on his own. I'm teaching him independence." Genesis said.
"Well, look what happened to him; it's your fault. You shouldn't have put so much trust into a child." Andy replied.
"Like I said he's sixteen. A child is considered the age of twelve and under." Genesis countered.
"That's not the point. He was a minor unsupervised. Have you even gotten him the proper counseling?" Andy asked.
"While Cloud was in the hospital, he was counseled by doctor Luthen. So yes I have. Don't questions my son's sanity." Genesis replied.
"That's not enough; he should still be going to therapy right now." Andy said, writing something down. "You must not take this seriously."
"I take my son's well-being very seriously and I don't appreciate you questioning my mothering skills. You wouldn't know what it's like since you've never been a mother." Genesis said slyly.
"I just think you should be doing more for Cloud."Andy said. He then looked over at Cloud. "Cloud, how do you feel about this?" Cloud replied. "I feel fine. The counseling with Dr. Luthen really helped me." /Lies. /
"You look troubled though. I can tell by looking at your face that something's wrong." Andy pointed out.
"I'm fine actually; I don't have anything to be troubled about." Cloud said.
"Then you must be the fastest healing rape victim ever." Andy said suspiciously.
Cloud looked down and didn't say anything. "I'm sure you still must be hurting inside, Cloud." Andy said. "I'm fine. Whenever I need consoling, my family's always there for me." Cloud countered.
"Then you must have a close relationship with your family." Andy said.
"I do. I really...love them." Cloud replied.
Lila sat down on a chair and faced the four brothers. She then looked at Kadaj and asked. "So, are you happy that your father's back in your life?"
"Yeah, I guess." Kadaj said.
"You guess?" Lila asked.
Yazoo quickly butted in. "What he means is that we're very happy."
Lila then turned her attention away from Kadaj and looked at Yazoo. "So, Yazoo. I've heard a few things about you and from what I've been told you like to get into fights a lot."
"I fight because I need to protect myself." Yazoo said."I don't go around picking fights just for the heck of it."
"But you've almost gotten expelled for it." Lila pointed out.
"Well I can't be expected to just stand there and let someone beat me up. I'm no one's punching bag." Yazoo said.
"But school is very important Yazoo; you can't be getting in trouble and jeopardize your education." Lila pointed out.
"But I can't just allow people to push me around." Yazoo said.
"I've also been told by your principal that you are a very promiscuous young man and that you are frequently spotted with older men." Lila said, looking disgusted.
Kadaj and Loz laughed and Yazoo looked pissed. Lila then said. "You know homosexuality is not accepted in a 'normal' home. This must be a more corrupted environment than I thought." She said, writing something down. "My sexual preference has nothing to do with my home. My family is very accepting and they don't 'discriminate' like most."
"Tell me Yazoo, how many men have you slept?" Lila asked.
Sephiroth snorted and Yazoo's face turned red. "What? I can't believe you just asked me that."
"You're a very attractive young man. So I'm sure you've had many lovers." Lila said, digging deeper.
Yazoo just sat there dumbfounded; he didn't understand what this had to do with anything.
"Don't you have any religion in your life?" Lila asked.
So that's what she was getting at. "No."
Lila gasped. "No wonder why you're a sinner. If you don't have religion, you'll go to hell for liking men you know that? How dare your parents not teach you the word of God."
Loz then stepped in to defend his younger brother. "Whoever Yazoo chooses to do is none of your business. You didn't come here to preach, you came here to check on our living conditions and we're all obviously healthy and happy. Despite what you must think. So please back off the subject of my brother's love life."
Lila looked at Loz and raised a brow. "Are you gay too?"
Loz snorted. "No!"
"And what if he was?" Sephiroth challenged. "Would you call him a sinner too? Listen, if you're going to talk, only speak when you have something intelligent to say."
Lila looked offended. "Are you calling me stupid?"
Sephiroth felt his inner bitch ready to be unleashed, but held it in. "No."
Lila looked away from Sephiroth and turned back to Yazoo. "Would you say that you had a good childhood?" Yazoo nodded. "Yes." She then turned to Kadaj. "And you?" Kadaj nodded and Lila wrote something down. "Now tell me, have any of you been beaten, starved, or neglected?" They all looked at one another and mentally noted 'all of the above'.
Sephiroth answered for them. "No."
"Have anyone of you experienced what's happened to your brother. Have anyone of you had that happen to you?" Lila asked.
They looked at each other and shook their heads. None of them had fallen to victim to that. "Why do you think your brother was a target?" Lila asked. Sephiroth replied. "Because he's weak and vulnerable. Cloud doesn't know much about the self defense area. He's always been very needy." Lila nodded and wrote something down. "Would you say your brother is mentally unstable?" Yazoo gave Sephiroth a threatening look, but Sephiroth ignored him. "You mean do I think he's crazy? Well, he has his moments." Lila's face perked up. "Such as?" Sephiroth then replied. "He's very emotional; he breaks down and cries on a daily basis. He doesn't like to eat much either." Lila looked interested. "So he must be in need of our assistance then?"
"Well y--"
"That's enough, Sephiroth." Yazoo said cutting him off and standing up. "I will not have you lie about Cloud."
Kadaj snorted. "Lies? Ha, you're the one lying, Yazoo."
"You shut your mouth, Kadaj." Yazoo said threateningly.
Lila then stood up. "Yazoo, please calm down and let Sephiroth finish."
"I won't let him lie about Cloud. Sephiroth is just over exaggerating to embarrass Cloud and I'm not going to let him continue." Yazoo replied.
Lila nodded and wrote something down. "It seems that there's a violent streak in you Yazoo that can be provoked by the smallest things. Has your mother ever considered getting you anger management?"
"What? No, I don't need it. I just can't stand liars." Yazoo said defensively.
"Then you're the biggest hypocrite in the world, Yazoo." Sephiroth replied.
"Sephiroth, shut up!" Yazoo yelled.
"Woah! Now there is no need to shout." Lila said sternly. "What makes you think Sephiroth is lying?"
"Because I know Cloud better than anyone. He's my best friend."Yazoo replied.
"But you see with best friends they have a tendency to lie for each other." Lila said, writing something down. "I would like to take a look at your rooms now." She said, standing up and walking into the kitchen.
Yazoo turned to Sephiroth immediately. "Sephiroth, what the hell?!" Sephiroth smirked. "Calm your ass down, Yazoo. I was just having some fun." Yazoo shook his head. "You call screwing Cloud over fun? Cloud could be taken away from us for the littlest thing and you act like it's nothing. I don't care if you have no feelings for Cloud or anyone of us, it doesn't matter! We're still your family and if you're willing to give us up just for your anger and amusement, then you're a sick bastard!"
Sephiroth then slapped Yazoo across the face. Kadaj and Loz froze, looking at Sephiroth shocked. Yazoo held his face and looked up at Sephiroth. "What's wrong with you!?" He yelled and quickly ran out of the room. Kadaj then looked at Sephiroth and asked. "Do you really hate us that much, Sephiroth?" Loz then added. "Is it because you think we're the reason mother left?"
Sephiroth shook his head. "You bitches are so dramatic. You take everything up the ass, haven't you realized yet that this isn't a family? It's just for convenience." He laughed, walking away. "Tell Yazoo that his mascara smeared and he better go clean it up." He then walked away into the kitchen.
"Andy, please don't make assumptions about my children." Angeal said.
Andy looked at Angeal. "Well, Mr. Strife you haven't been in your children's lives long enough to defend them now have you?"
"Stop it!"Cloud yelled and all three of them turned to look at him.
/I can't take this. I hate how Angeal and Genesis are taking all this crap for me. They're being made out to be bad people, when they're not! Angeal and Genesis are such great friends and I've grown up with them always being around, they're like family to me and I don't like how this guy is talking to them. I know that this is all just a front, but I don't like the pressure they're being put under. /
"Please, stop it. I know my dad hasn't been around until now, but I've forgiven him and I don't appreciate the way you're talking to him or my mom." Cloud replied. "I know you're concerned about me, but don't be, because I'm fine, ok?" Cloud said and Angeal looked at him smiling.
Andy was about to reply when Lila and Sephiroth entered the kitchen. "Andy, I'd like to inspect their rooms now." Lila said and Andy looked at Genesis. "Is that ok?" Genesis nodded and he and Angeal both stood up. Cloud followed closely with Kadaj and Loz as Angeal and Genesis lead Lila and Andy upstairs. Sephiroth stayed and waited at the bottom of the stairs. "Which rooms were you looking to inspect?"
"We'd like to see Kadaj and Loz's room first." Lila said.
Angeal nodded to Kadaj and Loz and they lead Lila and Andy into their rooms. Yazoo had just come out of the bathroom and quickly walked over to stand next to Cloud. "Hey." Yazoo said, hugging Cloud. Cloud looked at Yazoo and hugged him back. "Are you ok, Yazoo?" Cloud asked. "Yeah, I just needed to clean up my make up." He rested his head on Cloud's shoulder and sighed.
"I don't want to lose you, Cloud." He whispered.
"I don't want to lose you either, Yazoo." Cloud whispered back.
/Yazoo seems really worried all of a sudden; I hope nothing went wrong while Lila was talking to them. Now I'm starting to get this bad feeling, I don't know what to expect next. I just want them to leave as soon as possible. Ah! All of this could have been avoided; we would've all been at school right now, not going through any of this. But no I just had to tell Aerith something, didn't I? And for what? For Zack? He wasn't worth it, Zack's just pathetic and a jerk and I-I hate him for what he's done to me. I hate it. /
Angeal turned to them and asked. "How are you guys holding up?" Cloud looked down at Yazoo and replied. "Not so good."
"Hopefully this will all be over soon." Angeal said.
"Yes, I hope so as well. These heels are killing me." Genesis groaned.
Yazoo giggled and Genesis ruffled his hair. Just then Andy and Lila came walking out of Kadaj's and Loz's rooms. They wrote something down before they spoke. "Their rooms appear to be fine and normal." That was a shocker; Cloud was surprised they didn't find any beer bottles in there. They must have cleaned up good, or just hid them well.
"We'd like to see Yazoo's room now."Andy said. Lila looked towards Yazoo and he immediately let go of Cloud; he then lead the two into his room. Kadaj shook his head. "I swear they act like they're on a damn crime scene." Loz nodded. "Yeah, no shit. They'd even stop to look at stains on the carpets."
"They're trying to find any little reason to take you guys away. But Angeal and I can't let that happen. I don't care what we have to do." Genesis said seductively.
Andy and Lila began looking through every drawer, box, and closet they could find in Yazoo's room. He could tell by the faces they were making that they weren't pleased. "How can your mother let you dress this way?" Lila asked, looking through Yazoo's closet. "Like I said, we don't discriminate here." Andy shook his head and Lila looked back at Yazoo.
"Yes, but being a whore is not acceptable." Lila said, walking out of his room with Andy. Yazoo followed them out wanting to strike Lila, but held himself back.
"His room is normal to an extent."Lila said writing, something down. "We'd like to see Cloud's room now." Cloud nodded and nervously lead them into his room. They entered the room and began to look around. The window was open and a light breeze filled the room. The sun reflected perfectly on his floor and the room seemed very peaceful. Cloud stood there silently as they searched his room; he was sure that there wasn't anything out of place.
While Lila searched his closet, Andy looked under Cloud's bed. After a few seconds of searching, he heard Andy gasp from under his bed. Cloud's heart stopped when Andy came out from under his bed holding a knife. "What's this?!" Andy asked shocked. Lila gasped, putting a hand over her mouth. Cloud stared at the knife and began shaking. /No, no, no, no, no! It can't be it just can't! How could it be here? Didn't the police gather every piece of evidence from my room? Then why is the knife I had tried to fight off the bastard with still here? I don't understand. Mayb, when he broke into room, it fell into a crack under my bed and the police didn't find it, but Andy did. /
"Why is there a weapon in your room!?" Lila yelled and everyone immediately entered Cloud's room, looking shocked.
Andy looked at Genesis."Did you know about this?!"
"I d---" Genesis was cut off by Lila. "Cloud, are you self-destructive? Do you cause harm to yourself?!" She yelled.
"I knew there was something wrong with you." Andy said, holding the knife. "You're not well Cloud. You need help; we're taking you with us."
"No! I didn't put that there I swear. I didn't even now it was there!" Cloud cried out and Genesis stepped in. "My son is NOT self destructive!"
"Then let's see, huh! You must be a cutter!" Lila yelled at Cloud and looked at Genesis. "You've failed as a mother!"
"What?!" Genesis yelled, now truly angry.
Immediately officer Juden and Linel appeared by the door and looked at Andy. "Hold these people back. We're taking their son." The officers nodded and grabbed hold of Genesis and Angeal despite their struggle. Lila grabbed Cloud by the arm and Cloud began crying and trying to pull away.
"Don't take him! It's not his knife!" Yazoo yelled out in desperation. Everyone stopped and looked at him.
"Then whose is it?" Lila asked.
"It's mine." Yazoo said. Cloud's eyes widened and he shook his head. /No! Y-Yazoo, don't do this. Don't lie for me! /
"This is your knife?!" Andy asked.
"Yes, it's mine! I'm the one that's self destructive not Cloud!" Yazoo said rolling up his sleeves to reveal cuts all over his arms. "I got scared thinking you would find the knife in my room, so I hid it in Cloud's room thinking you wouldn't find out! I'm the one with the problem! I've even stabbed people with that knife in fights and I just cut myself last night. I did it behind my mother's back and she had no idea, o don't blame her! I'm such a fucked up and angry person I can't control myself! That's why I always get in fights! I can't stop!" Yazoo yelled.
Lila released Cloud immediately and grabbed Yazoo. "I knew you were the one with the real problem! How dare you try to frame your brother!"
Genesis tried to lunge at Lila but the police held him and Angeal back. Kadaj and Loz tried to move, but were too much in shock. Cloud yelled and screamed as Andy and Lila dragged Yazoo out of the room and downstairs. "NO! STOP IT! HE'S LYING! IT'S NOT HIS KNIFE! IT'S MINE!" Cloud screamed in desperation. He couldn't believe what Yazoo had done. /How dare you, Yazoo! How fucking dare you sacrifice yourself for me when you know that knife was left behind from the fight with my rapist. Why!? Yazoo, why?! Why do you always protect me!? /
Sephiroth looked up as Lila and Andy came downstairs dragging Yazoo. "What the hell are you doing?" He asked.
"Your brother isn't well; he's just confessed to self destruction and mental instability. He hid his knife under your brother Cloud's bed and we found it." Andy replied.
Sephiroth looked at Yazoo."Y-Yazoo, don't you fucking dare lie! You know that's not yours!"
"But it's not Cloud's." Yazoo said back.
Sephiroth looked up and saw Cloud scrambling down the stairs. "Yazoo! No! Please, d-don't take away my brother! He has nothing to do with it!"
Lila and Andy dragged Yazoo outside and threw him in the car. Angeal ran out and said. "No you can't take him!" Andy then replied. "We have every right to."
"How long are you going to keep him?" Angeal asked.
Lila then replied. "As long as it takes. Your son is a danger to himself and everyone around him!"
Cloud then ran out of the house screaming. "NO! DON'T TAKE HIM PLEASE! HE'S LYING! I'M THE ONE WITH THE PROBLEMS!"
"Cloud, I'm sorry!" Yazoo yelled from the car. "I didn't mean to hide my knife in your room."
"Yazoo! No! Stop it, stop it, stop it! Stop lying to protect me! You know it's not yours, Yazoo, please!" Cloud yelled. He felt his mind go into a downward spiral and his heart was literally ripped out of chest. He couldn't lose Yazoo, he just couldn't; he loved his brother more than anything.
"I love you, Cloud!" Yazoo yelled, tears falling from his eyes. Cloud began running toward the car, but Sephiroth grabbed him and held him back. "Yazoo, I love you too! Please, please don't leave me!"
Andy and Lila then entered the car and turned on the ignition. "I just wanted to keep you safe, Cloud!" Yazoo cried out and the car began to drive away.
Cloud struggled violently out of Sephiroth's grip and chased the car down the street. "Yazoo! Yazoo! Come back! I NEED YOU!" He then collapsed in the middle of the street sobbing. He had just lost his brother and his best friend. "Yazoo!" He continued to yell helplessly. He then turned around and looked back at everyone standing in front of the house.
"Why did you just stand there, huh!? Why didn't you do anything!?" Cloud yelled, standing up and walking back towards them. "You just stood there and did NOTHING!" He then went up to all of them and looked them in the face. "H-how dare you! HOW DARE YOU!" They all looked down defeated. Angeal hid his face, trying to hide his tears of hurt, where as Genesis tried to hide his tears of anger. Kadaj and Loz were too stunned to say anything and Sephiroth stood there speechless.
Cloud ran into the house and began running up the stairs, but collapsed and fell, crying his eyes out. He was now absolutely, completely, and utterly alone.
/I-I can't believe it. H-How could this happen?! Why is it always my fault! I-I can't imagine being without him, I-I can't stand the thought of not having him by my side. Yazoo was my only friend. Now I'm really alone...I have no one. Not a soul. /
Cloud continued to cry when he heard a voice.
"Stop."
Cloud turned around and saw Sephiroth standing behind him. He couldn't believe Sephiroth, how dare he just let them take Yazoo away without a fight. He stood there and did nothing. "No! I'm not going to stop! How could you Sephiroth!?"
"What did you expect me to do, huh? It was either you or him and he went in your place! It was Yazoo's choice!" Sephiroth yelled.
"Sephiroth, why?! Why are you so heartless and cold!? It's like you don't even care!"Cloud yelled back.
"I don't care!" Sephiroth replied and Cloud stared at him wide eyed. "I don't give a damn." Sephiroth then walked away into the living room, Cloud pursued after him weakly. "Why do you hate us so much?!" He asked and Sephiroth just stood with his back towards him. "I know that the reason mother left wasn't because of us, Sephiroth, and you know it!"
Sephiroth tensed and turned to look at Cloud. Cloud stood up, facing Sephiroth. "You tell me Sephiroth, y-you tell me right now! Why did mother abandon us!?"
Cloud looked at Sephiroth, waiting for a response. Sephiroth paced somewhat and flipped his hair, he finally sighed aggravated. "That day, when mother left us, she left a note saying that she was on the verge of losing her job."
Cloud listened as he continued.
"And that she wasn't able to support us anymore. She said she felt ashamed and that she had failed as a mother. She couldn't bear to look us in the face and say everything was going to be ok because it wasn't. Mother told me to pretend as if she had never left and to carry on with her name, to get a job and take care of you guys on my own. Motherhood was her greatest failure she wrote and her deepest regret. Mother said she'd never forgive herself for what she's done to us."
Cloud looked down, fresh tears coming from his eyes.
"But she lied." Sephiroth said his voice growing angry. "Our so called "mother" who claimed to love us abandoned us for another reason. Her job was never in danger."
"What?" Cloud asked confused.
Sephiroth shook his head. "I went into her room one day while she was downstairs and looked through her drawers. I opened one of the drawers and found a box full of letters, love letters from some man. I assume it must've been her boyfriend that she'd failed to mention to us. Curious, I picked up one of the letters and read it. He said that he wanted to marry her."
Sephiroth looked up and laughed. "And you know what the catch was? He said he'd only marry her if she got rid of us! And you know what "mother" did? Wrote me a fake letter of guilt and sorrow to marry some guy! She abandoned her children to obtain her own happiness and left me at the age of thirteen to raise all of you on my own! To get a job, pay bills, go to school, provide food, and to make sure all your needs were met! T-to forge her name constantly and lie about how our loving mother was still around!"
Cloud held his hands to his mouth unable to breathe. Sephiroth then went up to Cloud and grabbed him by his shirt. "Mother was nothing but a cold, heartless bitch. She didn't give a damn about anyone but herself and you ask me why I'm like this?" Sephiroth dropped Cloud and walked away, leaving him to cry on the cold floor.
End of chapter 14. Woo! Plot development! I'd like to thank everyone that's been reviewing and please keep reviewing! I'll greatly appreciate it! I would also like to thank my beta! Please also vote in my new poll.
Chapter 15 coming soon...are you ready?
Fav character of chapter: Yazoo