Chapter 25 – Crisis Times Two

Can you say angst?

I only /wish/ I owned FFVII and CC. *sigh*

The Deusericus Building

Two cigarette tips glowed in the diminishing evening light that shone through the window. No lights were on in this particular dorm room, and in the gloom it wasn't easy to make out the two figures lying sweaty and sated on one of the single beds. Close, limbs intertwined, the distinct odor of "damn that was some good lovin'" in the air … you didn't have to be a detective to figure out what had just gone on.

One of the cigarette coals flared again, revealing a thin face with rather delicate features, marked in a lovely yet manly way by twin curving red tattoos under the eyes. Reno's red hair (almost perfectly matched by the color of the tattoos) was an absolute mess – but Rude liked it down during sex and so that's what he did. Tonight his lover had actually grabbed handfuls of it and wrapped the locks around his hands, using them like reins to pull back Reno's head as he drove into him from behind. It had been fantastic … damn, the guy could fuck.

Rude's cigarette tip glowed as he inhaled, then blew out smoke in a long stream overhead. He held the cig clamped between his teeth – one arm was trapped providing a pillow for Reno's head, with the other he lazily stroked Reno's arm and flank as they lay there so closely. This wasn't their first time – it was more like the twentieth – but Rude was invested far more deeply than he'd ever thought possible. He'd fallen for the redhead like an avalanche, never before had someone managed to cramp Rude's "cool" so quickly and completely. Reno did it every day. He could change his outward attitude in an instant – going from a serious dangerous Turk to a teasing goof-off with those lame jokes and crooked grins. Rude was totally hooked.

For his part, Reno was in heaven. He'd been in lust with Rude almost from the moment they met. The older teen was everything he admired and wanted in a partner – both in their work and in their personal lives – he'd never felt like this before about anyone. When he thought about Rude it felt like his heart was swelling in his chest, like it would explode in an ecstasy of love. They were perfect for each other, he knew it, the feeling was affirmed every single day. In a flood of emotion, he squeezed the other man tightly, pressing his face against the side of Rude's neck, cigarette held out and away safely.

Neither man had yet said, "I love you", not in words, not out loud. But both felt it, so it was just a matter of time and circumstance before it came out in all its glory. For now, though, relaxing together in Reno's bed and feeling the sweat evaporate off their bodies, it wasn't a priority.

Rude's hand gripped Reno's bicep in a tacit receipt of the fierce hug. He lifted his shoulder and tilted his head to gently squeeze Reno's head between them. Reno chuckled in reply.

"So, partner … what are we doin' tomorrow?" Reno asked quietly, before bringing his free hand to his mouth to take another drag.

"Hmph," Rude grunted in reply. "Looks like we're training in the morning … and then, remember?"

"We got that meeting with Tseng at lunch … where's the place?"

"Under the plate … Sector Seven … Don Corneo's place."

"Oh yeah," Reno said, stubbing out his cigarette in the ashtray currently riding the waves of respiration on Rude's belly. "I hate that fat bastard."

"He's a prick. But he knows stuff, so using him for an informant is within the scope of our jobs." Rude's voice was cool.

"As long as the information can be validated and confirmed, yeah?" Reno's voice thrummed with amusement as he nudged Rude's neck with his nose.

"Good. You're learning." Rude took a last drag, put out his cigarette, too, then took the ashtray and placed it on the nightstand. He returned his now-free hand to its former job of stroking Reno's side lazily.

"Pffft. I already knew that, man," Reno said. Growing up in the slums, he'd learned all kinds of things that the Upper Midgar residents never needed to know. It was a big help in his schooling to learn the ways of the Turks. He was right where he needed to be, and Director Tseng seemed to feel the same way, letting Reno advance ahead of his former peers in some of the courses. It was good to be appreciated and to have his "skills" confirmed.

They'd already had sex twice, and probably weren't going to do it again. But laying side-by-side and touching each other, conveying their unspoken feelings, it was good all on its own. Their suits were pressed, their weapons cleaned and polished, everything was ready for the morning. So for now, they just relaxed with each other, talking and touching, kissing and hugging … until, yeah, okay, they got all turned on and did it again. Young men and their libidos!

On top of his lover, sweating again despite the air conditioning, raising and lowering his body on Rude's long, slender cock, feeling his fourth orgasm of the evening beginning to coil itself within his pelvis, Reno was sure he'd never been happier. "Ah! Ah, yeah! Rude! Nn!"

Rude grabbed Reno's buttocks, squeezing and helping the redhead keep a steady rhythm, no slowing down. He looked up at Reno's face, watching the expressions change. The new tattoos were perfect … they set off his hair and his eyes and were dead sexy.

"Ah Rude! I … I like you!" Reno's arms tightened around Rude's neck. "I like you the most!"

Rude quickly switched his hold, grabbing Reno's dick with one hand, his hip with the other, effectively pulling the younger teen to a stop. He sat up, looking at Reno's face in the dim light as the redhead shook in his lap.

"Don't say it if you don't really mean it," he said, voice deep and commanding.

Reno was gasping, he was teetering on the edge of orgasm. "I mean it! Now please! 'M so close!" His arms slid down around Rude's broad shoulders, he pressed himself to his lover, and nudged his dick against Rude's toned belly.

"Me too," Rude said in his deep soft voice, and let Reno go so he could begin a slow gyration in Rude's lap. Their lips found each other in this most intimate of positions, arms around each other, joined together at their cores, kissing and murmuring. It was amazing, what the confirmation of 'like' did to the act … every movement had more meaning, every touch, every kiss. Slow, grinding, good. They came together and it was amazing, it was the best.

"If I could die right n—" Reno started to say, breathlessly, but Rude stopped him with his lips.

"None of that," he said against Reno's mouth. "Shut up and kiss me."

XXX

Heart pounding its way up into his throat, Cloud had to clear it before he could speak. "H-hi," he said, leaning down to look into the Veyron. He was trembling slightly, his mouth was dry, his legs felt weak … what am I gonna do what am I gonna say? How much does he know, how did he find out, what am I gonna do?

Sephiroth didn't look at Cloud. He didn't look at him. "Get in," he said softly, keying the unlock button.

Swallowing hard, Cloud fumbled for the door handle and opened the door. He slid onto the buttery-soft leather seat and buckled up his harness. Then he sat there, hands on his lap, looking down at his feet.

"Shut the door," Sephiroth suggested, voice calm and emotionless.

Cloud startled and looked to his right. Oh, yeah. He shut the door and returned his gaze to the interior of the vehicle. Quickly Sephiroth put it in drive and pulled smoothly away from the curb. No music was playing, the interior of the car was totally quiet. Cloud could hear himself breathing, could practically hear his own heart slamming away in his chest. In a near-panic, he tried to think of something to say. Not coming up with anything, he tried to think of something to do. Should I cast brave and faith on myself? No. Don't be such a baby. If he knows something and I'm … caught, then I'll have to face it like a man and take my medicine. He grimaced with that thought. Am I going to lose him already? Panic blossomed even more fiercely in his breast. Odin … Shiva … no, please no. Help me. Help me, please.

Still, silence from the white-haired man at the wheel. Cloud stole a glance to his left, noting that Sephiroth was barefoot, wearing a tight black t-shirt and a pair of black lounging pants. Had … had he just jumped up and dashed for the car? What would cause such a … … … shit.

Finally, "I tried to call you," Sephiroth said, still quietly, voice wooden.

Cloud felt for his PHS, panic making his movements jerky and graceless. Where … ? He didn't have it! What the hell? His mind raced, trying to remember the last time he'd used it. Not at Ravien's. Not at the ramen stand. In his dorm room. What an idiot! "I forgot it when I left," he said, his voice breathless with stress.

"I know. Midori picked up when I called."

He was going to throw up. That's all there was to it. The ramen in his stomach had apparently not digested at all because it felt like it was all balled up in a nasty knot in his stomach, one that had apparently achieved sentience because it was trying to claw its way back up his esophagus. "P-pull over," he groaned, holding his belly. "Please … pull over!"

The car yanked over to the curb, and before Cloud could let go of his tummy and reach for the door handle, Sephiroth was there, opening the door and unbuckling Cloud's seat belt. Oh, well, yeah – he wouldn't want nasty puke all over his beautiful car, right? Cloud thought. He pulled Cloud out, and Cloud fell to his knees on the sidewalk, coughing and gagging. Odin. His stomach emptied itself of all the ramen and sake, only after the exodus had stopped and he was only producing bile did Cloud become aware that two cool hands were helping him. One was on his forehead, the other was on the back of his neck, effectively holding his head. Sweat covered Cloud's whole body, but the cool hands on his head and neck became the focus of sensation. He coughed and panted, the gasps sounding like sobs, eyes squeezed shut, shaking in the aftermath.

"Are you ill?" Sephiroth asked, from where he knelt next to Cloud.

Cloud shook his head, misery evident in every line of his body. He shook it again and leaned up to sit back on his heels, pulling up his t-shirt to wipe his mouth on it. He shook his head again, then for the first time, looked up into Sephiroth's face.

They looked at each other. Cloud's face was pale white and sweaty, misery echoed in the lines of his grimace and the tears that stood in his eyes. Sephiroth's face was composed and almost blank. His self-protection mode was in full swing, and although he felt concern inside, it was not evident externally.

"Come. Ready to get back into the car?" Sephiroth murmured, standing up. A quick flash of Fire 1 and he'd eradicated the puddle of puke on the sidewalk.

Cloud felt the heat against his face, felt the sweat dripping off it, and stood up, too. "Wh-where we goin'?" he asked, using his t-shirt to wipe off his face, swaying gently as he stood between the car and the general.

Sephiroth opened the door and gently steered Cloud inside. "We're going to my place," he said, before shutting the door after Cloud swung his legs in.

Shit, Cloud thought. He re-buckled his seat belt and leaned back on the seat, drained physically and mentally. He closed his eyes and didn't re-open them when Sephiroth got back in and pulled away from the curb. The stress of the day's events had had Cloud's body running at too high a level for too long, he was beginning to crash and shut down in response. His body felt like it weighed two tons, he couldn't lift his eyelids much less his arms, he felt heavy and weak and drained and ugly, like his inner 'sins' were evident on his exterior.

But he didn't feel sleepy. Oh, no, far from it. Although his body was weighted and borderline-lethargic, his mind now began to race with worry. What would Sephiroth say? What would he say? How could he explain? No, how could he explain without having to tell the older man all about his childhood and young teen years, the abuse he'd endured, the bullying (what a childish word for such a horrific time), the things that even he didn't want to face? Gods, it was horrible. He felt the swaying of the car as Sephiroth maneuvered it toward his apartment, feeling as though he was in a dung cart on his way to the guillotine.

He started when Sephiroth said, calmly, "So like I said, I tried to call you."

Cloud grunted in response.

"And Midori picked up the phone. Because you forgot it."

"Uh-huh," Cloud said, weariness evident in his voice.

Sephiroth negotiated a right turn, leaving Sector 1 and heading into 2. "He said you had made plans with someone named 'Ravien' and were going under the Plate." (A/N – Ravien is pronounced rah-vee-IN)

Of course he did. He'd heard Cloud talking on his PHS, and why wouldn't he tell Sephiroth what he wanted to know? Cloud didn't fault Midori, he would probably have done the same thing. "Yeah," he said heavily.

Sephiroth yanked the wheel, sending the car careening to the left, cutting off a truck that veered out of the way, horn blaring. The Veyron shot into a parking lot, crossed it in an instant, and screeched to a stop on the far side, braking to within inches of a chain-link fence. Cloud had opened his eyes wide at the turn, and now he turned his head to look at the white-haired man as he smacked the gearshift into park and unbuckled his seatbelt, angling in the seat to face Cloud head-on.

"Here's what I've been thinking all day long: what. The. Fuck."

His eyes were blazing, glowing almost, the green so intense that Cloud could not look away. He also couldn't answer, but just sat there, mouth open, mutely looking into that harshly beautiful face.

"No answer?" His eyebrows drew in to a frown. "Something happened today. When I dropped you off at your dorm this morning, it was a vastly different Cloud than I'm fuckin' seeing here right now. What happened and who the fuck is Ravien?" His voice was low, he wasn't anywhere near yelling, but the intensity had Cloud wincing in response.

"I … " Cloud cleared his raw throat. "I know you deserve an explanation," he began. "And … and I want to give you one. But …." He swallowed hard. "I can't."

"Why not?" Impatience tinged the words now. Sephiroth was used to getting what he wanted, when he wanted it. Absolute power didn't have a clause that covered "I can't".

"D-don't ask me 'why not'," Cloud said, pleadingly. "Just don't ask me about it yet. I don't know what's gonna happen, but the story behind it all is too long and –" he cut himself off and turned away to face out the window, he was babbling, what the hell was he thinking, he needed to shut up!

Silence. The car was put in reverse, they backed up a bit, then turned and left the parking lot, once more making their way across Sector 2.

XXX

The airship landed at the small airfield that served Banora without incident. While Genesis went into the town to arrange for lodging for their small detachment, Angeal supervised the unloading of their gear. Most was stowed directly into their armed personnel carriers – if they needed to go out of town into the countryside for any length of time, all the equipment they needed would already be there. The airship was being refueled when he and the rest of the team loaded up into the three APC's and moved out, heading for town.

Banora was small. The orchards surrounded the road that led into the village, the trees arcing over the road like an arbor, heavy with Banora White apples at this time of year. Angeal found his mouth watering as he looked at the trees and their delicious fruit. It had been a while since he'd had a dumbapple straight off the tree, and he was looking forward to it.

"Kinda quiet," the driver of the APC, Soldier First Iwaki said.

"Yeah," Angeal answered. It was late, around 10p.m. or so, but that wasn't that late. There had been no-one at the airfield, and they had passed no other vehicles from either direction on the road. "It's a small town, so it's never really, y'know, bustled." But still … as the small convoy continued down the winding lane, Angeal finally put his finger on what had been bothering him since the first glimpse of the orchard: the light pots weren't lit. After the apple blossoms had matured into fruit, each night the standing fire pots were lit, to keep away the scavenging animals and night birds that would otherwise attack the trees to get to the fruit. None of the light pots were lit. No guards walked the orchards, keeping an eye on the pots and the trees. This was absolutely abnormal.

The vehicle continued along the meandering road, through the orchards … and then it opened up onto the village of Banora. Several of the homes had windows alight, but there was no-one evident in the town square … quite unlikely on such a balmy evening. The ShinRa jeep Genesis had taken to secure their lodging was parked in front of the Banora Inn, and there were lights shining there, as well. Angeal directed the driver to pull up behind the Jeep, the other two APCs pulled up alongside them, and everyone got out.

Directing the crew to stay outside for the moment, Angeal opened up the double doors and walked into the Inn. It was deserted. Frowning, he rang the bell on the large ornate wooden counter that ran along the left wall. No response. He called out for the owner, for Genesis, and was met with only silence. A quick search of the office behind the counter revealed nothing. He ran upstairs, trying to open doors only to find them all locked, calling for Genesis as his heart began to pound. Where was everybody? Where was Genesis?

"Sir!" The call came up the stairwell. Angeal ran back down the hall and onto the steps. Iwaki was at the bottom, looking up.

"What?" Angeal barked, frowning as he took the stairs two at a time coming down.

"We just saw Commander Genesis, sir … he came out of a big house behind the square, two blocks north, and ran east toward the edge of town." The report was crisp, Iwaki's face was serious behind his own frown.

"Did he say anything?"

"No, sir. He just leaped down the stairs and ran. I'm not even sure he even saw us over here." Iwaki fell into step with Angeal as he crossed the lobby of the Inn and went back out the double doors. They stood on the large wrap-around front porch as Iwaki pointed out the house – just barely visible behind the square's buildings – and the direction Genesis had run.

"That's the Commander's parents' place," Angeal said curtly, staring toward the house he knew so well. "Check it out," he added.

Immediately Iwaki turned to the squad, picked out three SOLDIERs and made discreet hand signals as they watched avidly. Then, as one, they quietly and quickly ran across the square, weapons in hand. The situation had just changed. Something was obviously not right here. Angeal watched as they entered the Rhapsodos residence, then he turned to the remaining SOLDIERs. "Check out the square. Every building. I want to know where everyone is."

SOLDIER Macomb and SOLDIER Vasquez, both 2nds, nodded and headed out, Macomb on the left and Vasquez on the right. They quickly approached each residence or business, knocked, checked the door. If it was locked they looked in the windows. If it was open, they entered and began a search, calling out softly in order to ascertain if any residents were on hand. It was done quickly, quietly, and efficiently.

…

When the squad was once again back at the Inn's porch, Angeal was practically twitching with impatience. "Report!" he snapped, looking at Iwaki first.

"Sir … I regret to report that two people were found inside Commander Rhapsodos' family home. Subsequent searches confirmed them to be the Commander's parents –"

"Adoptive parents," Angeal muttered, grief welling up inside. He showed no sign of it externally.

"Yes, sir," Iwaki said, undeterred by the correction. "They're dead, Commander. Appears to be fairly recent, perhaps within the past couple hours, but I'm no coroner. Not sure."

"Right." Angeal rubbed his face. What the fuck. "Macomb? Vasquez?"

Both the SOLDIER 2nds responded with similar news: no trace of Banora's residents was found during their search. There were no signs of struggle or malfeasance. The homes and businesses were simply deserted.

"All right. We're going after Commander Rhapsodos," Angeal said. He began barking orders. "Lock up the APC's. Everyone in the Jeep, weapons at the ready. Keep your eyes open." He led the way to the Jeep and got in the passenger front seat as Iwaki got behind the wheel. The rest of the squad clambered into the back of the Jeep. "Let's go."

XXX

Genesis was gasping for breath, racing the last few feet down the inclining ramp the road made to the warehouse on the edge of Banora. Tears threatened to blind him, he blinked rapidly and wiped them away with his free hand. In the other, his long red sword was gripped tightly, ready for whatever he'd face. Crossing the yard at a run, he slipped alongside the building, next to some cargo containers that in normal times would have contained Banora White Apple Juice, ready for shipping all over the planet.

Now the warehouse and the fence-enclosed yard were quiet. He approached the large, truck-sized doors and considered trying to open them. No. He was wanting to approach unnoticed. Somewhere inside he knew he was being stupid, that he should have gone to Angeal, that he should have the rest of the squad with him, but he was beyond all that logical thinking. The sight of his parents' dead bodies flashed before his eyes, and tears once again sprang up, but he dashed them away angrily and ran quietly around the side of the building.

A metal staircase zig-zagged up the side of the warehouse, leading to the roof, Genesis recalled. He put a foot on the bottom step, testing it for worthiness and noise. When it passed both tests, he hurried up the stairs, taking them two at a time, until he was able to look over the edge of the roof. It was deserted. He vaulted over the low parapet and onto the roof. Hearing a familiar sound, he glanced behind and down – the Jeep was beginning the drive down the sloping access road. Genesis turned back around. He couldn't wait. Quickly, he ran across the roof to a slanting skylight, approached the edge warily, and knelt to look inside.

The warehouse was not deserted. A man, with shoulder-length gray-streaked black hair, mustache, and a full beard, was standing in the center of the fairly large space, a clipboard in his hands. He wore a lab coat over a t-shirt that had something on the front, but Genesis couldn't make it out from here. His lab coat was spotless white … but the man standing with him was not. He was splattered with blood and gore, his red hair was matted and tangled, dripping with blood. He was dressed in the manner of a typical orchard worker, complete with the small scythe – which also dripped with blood. His billed hat hid his face. He stood motionless next to the black-haired man … whom Genesis could only suppose was Hollander. Gen's face twisted with grief and anger. Leaping up into the air, he landed on the skylight, which buckled and broke under his weight.

The noise was incredible in the quiet evening. It hid the sound of the Jeep coming to a screeching halt outside. Genesis came down onto the factory floor in a hail of glass and metal, landing on his feet and breaking his ankle. With a muttered casting he cured his ankle and stood up straight, looking into the startled and now-fearful face of –

"Doctor Hollander." Genesis snarled the words.

Regaining his confidence and his bravado, the scientist smiled. "Ahh, it's you! Back at last, I see. Has the town changed much since your last visit?" His eyes glinted with humor and secrets. The orchard worker at his side stood motionless.

"What have you done here? What the hell have you done?" Genesis took a step forward, just as sounds of forced entry began to come from the huge doors on the far end of the building.

"I was so glad when you returned last summer, Genesis," Hollander said, still smiling. Gen noticed that the man's t-shirt was one advertising Banora White Apple Juice. "You provided just what I needed to get my project off the ground and show that motherfucker Hojo just what a real scientist is capable of. If it hadn't been for you, with your mako-infused DNA and cells, none of this would have been possible!" He motioned around himself with a grand gesture.

"What the fuck are you talking about?" Genesis snarled again, taking another step forward, brandishing his sword in front of him, ready.

Behind Hollander, the doors began to bend as huge blows rang out against them from without. The scientist didn't react. Instead he motioned to the orchard worker standing near him. "Take a closer look. My work in one of its earlier forms. What do you think?"

Not wanting to be taken off-guard by someone from behind or from Hollander himself, Genesis took a quick glance behind him and then looked more closely at the orchard worker, holding Hollander at the tip of his sword. It was … holy Goddess! "You … what the fuck?" Was he going mad? It was himself! It was!

The doors finally couldn't withstand the onslaught any more as the right-side one left its tracks and fell soundlessly before crashing to the concrete floor with a huge BANG. Angeal and the rest of the SOLDIERs stormed through the resultant dust cloud into the area, weapons out. Iwaki directed his fellows to search the building as he and Angeal approached the trio in the middle of the warehouse, surrounded by broken glass from the ruined skylight.

Hollander turned around. "Ah! Angeal! My other success story! How are you? And your mother … how is dear, dear Gillian?" His voice was cordial but his eyes began to move rapidly around the room, signaling his rising nervousness.

Angeal didn't rise to the bait. He'd read the pre-mission material, and he knew what this crackpot had been doing here in Banora … or at least, he knew about the rumors that he and Gen had been sent to investigate. Tossing his mother's name into the conversation wasn't going to work as a distraction. Still, he wished he'd been able to check on his mother … but the Hewley home was well outside of town, on the other side of the orchards. He could only hope she was all right. He circled around the trio until he stood next to Genesis, then stole a glance at him. His face was lined with shock, he was staring at the motionless orchard worker who stood next to Hollander. "Genesis," Angeal murmured, and then he looked where Gen was looking.

The "orchard worker" was Genesis. The red hair, the beautiful face, the long muscular body – now hidden underneath the worker overalls and a red, long-sleeved shirt. He stood there motionless, holding up the bloody scythe, his eyes unfocused, blood drying on his face and clothing.

"Ah, I see you've noticed!" Hollander chortled. "He's not one of the best, but he's obedient and faithful, aren't you?" The copy did not answer.

"You've been busy since you left Midgar," Angeal said gruffly, trying to recover his equilibrium. He started to say more but was stopped abruptly by Genesis, who stepped forward and pointed his long, red sword straight at Hollander's heart.

"What … what have you done," he rasped, face twisted with fury and despair. "What have you done?"

XXX

The Veyron pulled up to Sephiroth's apartment and purred to a stop. Putting it in park, Sephiroth sat motionless behind the wheel for a moment, hands gripping the steering wheel. When Cloud didn't say anything, he got out and walked around the car, tossing the keys to Inoue, who caught them wordlessly, reading his boss' face. Seph opened Cloud's door and motioned him out. Cloud unbuckled and stepped out of the car, head down, misery evident in every line of his body. Without a word, Sephiroth turned and led the way to his apartment.

Cloud looked at him, then he looked at the ground, then he chanced a glance at Inoue. The man returned his look for a second, then he turned, got in the car, and drove off. Cloud stood there, unsure what he should do, and looked up at the sky. Stars glittered in the firmament, the moon a hard white circle almost straight up from his position. Odin, he prayed once again. Help me. Please. A touch on his right arm startled him, he jumped and turned, eyes wide.

Sephiroth stood there. "Cloud … are you afraid of me?" he asked, gently.

Was he? No. "No, sir," he said.

Did Sephiroth wince at the honorific? Maybe. "Then come inside. I just want to talk." He touched Cloud again and the blond could feel Cure seep through his body, healing his sore stomach and the headache which had still been pounding at his temples. He allowed the older man to steer him inside, leading him through the apartment until they reached the living room. "Please sit. I'll get some water."

Cloud did as he was told, sitting bolt upright, stress making him unable to relax. The general returned in a matter of seconds, a tall glass of ice water in his hand. He handed it to Cloud, who reflexively took a sip, then another, before putting on the coffee table.

Sephiroth sat down opposite him on the love seat. He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and looked at Cloud. The boy looked like he'd been through a wringer. The happy sexy lover he'd dropped off this morning in front of the Deusericus Building was gone. In his place, this pale stranger, so reminiscent of the repressed kid who'd hidden his face and his hair – his self – upon his arrival at ShinRa.

"Um. Thanks for the cure," Cloud said haltingly. He reached out and took another drink of water, for something to do.

Sephiroth waved away his thanks. "What …." Where did he begin? Well – begin at the fucking beginning. "What happened today? When I saw you earlier, at the obstacle course … the change in you from this morning … something fuckin' happened, right? Tell me."

Cloud stared at the glass of water, mind racing. He'd tell, but not all of it. No. No fucking way! "I met someone at the Chow Hall this morning. Someone from home."

"This Ravien, I take it," Sephiroth offered.

"Yeah. Ravien Santari. We were friends, once, childhood friends. But something happened back then – and I don't wanna talk about it!" Panic rode high in Cloud's voice as he said this, so Sephiroth made a motion with his hands – calm down, calm down, you don't have to. "A-anyway, we're not friends anymore. We haven't been friends for a long time. But … but now he's here. And he wants to …." Cloud swallowed hard. Here was the first hard part. "He wants to … see me."

Sephiroth was completely still. He frowned. Apparently there were aspects to the "you're mine" scenario that Cloud did not understand.

Cloud saw the frown. He swallowed hard and began picking at his jeans with one hand.

"He wants to 'see you'," Sephiroth was after more information. "You mean, date? Be your boyfriend?"

Cloud colored and nodded, his face miserable.

"This includes having sex, I take it."

Cloud nodded again.

Sephiroth had to work to internalize a flare of jealousy that leapt up at Cloud's nod. Bull fucking shit. Nobody else was touching Cloud. He'd already averted just this goddamned scenario with Genesis, and he'd be damned if someone else was going to barge in and pick up where the redhead had left off. "And … you were … where when he asked this."

Cloud looked a bit puzzled when he said, "At Ravien's place, under the plate."

"Did he fuckin' do anything?"

Feeling like his face was about to burst into flames, Cloud nodded, even more miserably than before. He chanced another look at Sephiroth and found himself staring into glowing green eyes under frowning white brows. "What. Did. He. Do. To you."

"No … n-no … he just kissed me. That's all." Thank heavens that was the truth. Because although he was fully aware that he was more than likely going to have to withhold information from Sephiroth, he would be damned if he'd bald-faced lie to the man about something that could turn around and bite him on the ass. Thinking about lying to Sephiroth made the miserable feeling in his heart swell and grow thorns – it was almost a physical pain.

"Just kissed you," Sephiroth repeated softly. Then, BANG! His fist hit the coffee table. The water glass jumped in place – so did Cloud. Sephiroth got to his feet and began to pace. "You mean, you let him fuckin' kiss you. Right? Isn't that what you really mean?"

Cloud didn't answer. He had let Ravien kiss him. How could Sephiroth possibly understand why? There was no way to explain it without really explaining it. He hung his head, feeling tears prickle his eyelids. It was ending, he could feel it. A proud man like Sephiroth, he didn't have to fight for anybody, he didn't have to exert himself to overcome a rival … he had potential lovers coming out of the woodwork, for fuck's sake. Cloud could be replaced within an hour, if Sephiroth was so inclined. That made him feel even more miserable.

If only he had more time to think! He couldn't think like this, he had to process everything Ravien had said, he needed to think what to do, he needed to figure out how to say 'no' to Ravien without setting him off into a vengeful rampage. You owe me, he'd said. Gods. And now Sephiroth thought Cloud wanted someone else. Well … if there was one thing he couldn't let stand, it was that. He'd make it clear right frickin' now.

"I don't want to date him," Cloud said into the silence.

Sephiroth stopped in his tracks, turning to look at Cloud.

"But I might have to," Cloud continued. Wait, was that how he wanted to put it? "I mean, at least once or twice, until I can convince him that it won't work."

Sephiroth was looking at Cloud like he'd suddenly turned purple … or like he'd inexplicably sprouted wings. (A/N – hehe) "I don't understand. Explain."

"I don't know if I really can explain. Or maybe, not right now. I don't know! I have to think about that explanation." He was staring up at Sephiroth, his blue eyes looking scared and sad at the same time. "You, um … you don't know me," Cloud's voice was pleading for understanding. "You don't know about how things were before I came here. I … I have to think about things. This has all happened so fast, I can't process all this, I—"

"Cloud." Sephiroth came over, finally, and sat down on the couch next to Cloud. "If there's one thing I understand, it's having a horrible or … shameful past. You don't know all about me, either. And remember? When I said that one day we could share stories about our pasts, when I saw your eyes and your hair …" he touched Cloud's spikes with one hand, "… for the first time?"

Cloud looked up at him, wanting to lean into the hand that was touching his hair. "Y-yeah."

"It looks like that time is drawing nearer." He tilted his head slightly to the side. "But not today." Sephiroth looked into Cloud's eyes with a searching gaze as he continued petting that amazing hair. He didn't want to lose Cloud. It was the basic truth at the heart of anything he could say or do right now. Yes, things were just starting out, but it had been going so fucking great! There wasn't anyone else he wanted right now. He just wanted Cloud. "I … shit." Seph lowered his head and blew out his breath.

"Can … can I ask for something?"

"Shoot." Sephiroth's hand dropped back onto his lap.

"Can I have some time? I need to think things over, I can't even begin figuring out what to do, it's all going too fast." Cloud stared up at him, hope warring with fear. Odin … are you even fucking listening to me today?

Sephiroth looked into his eyes searchingly. It wasn't too much to ask, although it irked him to merely have the 'problem' postponed instead of fixed. After a few moments he blew out a breath. "Okay. You want time? You got it. But, dammit, Cloud … remember that you're mine. Remember? Mine!"

Cloud's eyes filled up with tears again. It wasn't over, things weren't fixed, but at least he wasn't going to be dealing with a tragic break-up tonight on top of everything else. "Thank you," he blurted out. "I remember, don't worry … and I, I can handle this. I will handle it. I will."

To Sephiroth, all that affirmation sounded like Cloud was just trying to convince himself, but he let it go. He'd keep an eye on things from the sidelines, maybe talk to Tseng (although that was taking things kinda far … that depended on how pushy this fucker Santari was going to be!) … but he'd make sure nothing bad happened to his cute blond lover. Not on General Sephiroth's watch. "I'll leave it in your hands then," he said. "But if that fucker does anything to you … if he goes too far … I'll take matters into my own hands."

"O-okay," Cloud said, opting for agreement because he didn't want that anger turned in his direction. Were they making up? Could he assume that? The strength drained out of his body and he leaned backward, practically collapsing back on the couch. Now he blew out a huge breath.

"Tell me about it," Sephiroth said, leaning back too. "Oh, there is one thing that has to be done, right fucking now." He sat back up and leaned over Cloud, who looked up at him searchingly.

"Is … is something wrong?"

"Damn skippy," Sephiroth said. He lowered his head … and planted a kiss on Cloud's lips. "Sterilize." He kissed him again. "Sterilize." Kiss. "Sterilize."

After the fourth kiss, Sephiroth began chanting over him in order to chase away any evil spirits left behind by Ravien and his "fuckin' nasty criminal lips", as he called it. He stuck his fingers in the glass of water, proclaimed it 'holy water' and sprinkled it over a helplessly giggling Cloud – who was laughing mostly from relief than anything else.

"There." Sephiroth was apparently satisfied at Cloud's newly-sterilized condition. The blond's eyes weren't quite so haunted, he had blushes back in his cheeks, and that hunched-shoulder posture was gone. Sephiroth smiled for the first time since early that morning. "Better." He couldn't help it … he pulled Cloud onto his lap and held him tightly, protectively. Ravien Santari? You can't possibly know what you've fucking started here, prick.

XXX

They had seemed to come out of nowhere. Every one had the face of Genesis, although some seemed to be aging … they had white streaks in their hair, even their clothing seemed to be deteriorating somehow. The six SOLDIERs fought with all their skill … Angeal, Genesis, and Iwaki fought with their swords … Macomb, Vasquez, and Reynolds used their rifles, with which they were more skilled. Bullets and magic flew, swords flashed in the dim fluorescent lighting, and when the dust settled the SOLDIERs stood alone in the cavernous space, blood-spattered, breathing heavily from exertion.

Genesis strode through the bodies, flipping them over with his sword, kicking them onto their backs to look at their faces. "Where is he?" he shouted. "Where did he go?"

Angeal was healing Reynolds. The SOLDIER 2nd had taken a nasty blow from one of the … clones? … to his abdomen, and he was bleeding profusely while he tried to hold his intestines in place. Iwaki stood at his head, bolstering the healing process by pouring an x-potion down the stricken man's throat. "Vasquez! Macomb! Fan out! Find the scientist!" Angeal yelled as Cure3 flowed from his materia into the injured SOLDIER.

"Yes sir!" they shouted in unison. Macomb began helping Genesis check the bodies, Vasquez hurried outside, leading the way with his semi-automatic rifle, to check the perimeter.

Minutes later, Reynolds was sitting up, nodding that he was okay and thanking Angeal and Iwaki, who thumped him on the shoulder and helped him to stand. "Iwaki … get out to the Jeep and call this in. Get instructions from Lazard," Angeal said. "Reynolds … feel up to helping Vasquez outside?"

"Of course, Commander!" He picked up his rifle, stood up and steadied himself with a couple deep breaths, then hurried out the door, calling softly to let his teammate know that he was a friend, not a foe.

Macomb approached, rifle at the ready. "None of the bodies are the scientist, sir," he reported. "They're all … y'know …."

"I do," Angeal murmured. "Scout the perimeter. See if you can find out where they came from. Open every door … but don't leave this floor alone."

"Yes, sir!" He scurried off, moving away to begin checking the offices.

Angeal approached Genesis slowly. The redhead was standing over one of the clones, staring down into its open eyes, breathing heavily. Angeal slung an arm around his shoulders. "Hey," he said, squeezing. "Come on, let's get the fuck out of here."

"We gotta find him Angeal … I think he killed my folks … or at least ordered one of these freaks to do it."

"Then let's find the fucker and kill him," Angeal growled, hurting for Genesis, grieving with him about his parents.

Gen slumped. Then he straightened with a yelp. "Jesus Christ, what about your mom? We gotta go check on her, too!" He looked around at all the dead bodies, his eyes had a frantic look to them that Angeal hated to see there.

At that moment the rest of the team re-entered the factory. "Commanders … we gotta go." This was Iwaki. "I informed HQ as you ordered, sir … and to make sure there aren't any of those things left, they're said they're gonna bomb the place." Iwaki had a stunned look on his face. "Sir, I … all I said was—"

"What?" Angeal said. "When?"

"The airships have already left the Mideel garrison, sir … ETA 14 minutes."

Genesis reacted first. "Mother fucker! Angeal, let's go! We gotta check on yer mom before they start shelling!" He grabbed Angeal's arm and shook it. "Angeal!"

Angeal stood there, trying to think. Why was ShinRa going to bomb the factory? What in the hell was going on? What about their investigation? Didn't they want any evidence to follow up on? Where was Hollander? And why had he brought up Angeal's mother, Gillian? What the hell was going on?

Genesis decided that it was time he took over the squad, Angeal seemed lost in thought and that wasn't what was needed at the moment. Unaware he had tears on his cheeks, he shouted, "Men! Move out!" Then he grabbed Angeal's arm and yanked him towards the doors.

…

They barely made it. Checking Angeal's house was futile, his mom wasn't there. They saw no people on their exodus out of town, there was no trace of Hollander after his disappearance from the warehouse. Back on the Sky King, the team had watched with grim faces as ShinRa airships had totally decimated not just the warehouse, but the entire town. Genesis had clutched Angeal's arm through the whole thing. Neither man had looked away as their hometown was obliterated. When the flashes of light died out and it was too dark to see anything but flames as the buildings burned, the Sky King had pulled out of its holding pattern. Genesis made the crew land the airship again and unload the Jeep.

"Iwaki, Macomb … lock and load. You're coming with me and Angeal to investigate whatever might be left. Vasquez, stand by the radio … if we need any assistance we'll call it in to you. Reynolds, unload the APC's and stand by with them, in case we need to transport any survivors. We'll check in at 30 minute intervals."

The four SOLDIERs got into the Jeep, with Iwaki once again behind the wheel. It trundled down the lading ramp and off into the darkness.

XXX

Sephiroth lazily petted Cloud's hair as they sat there, each deep in his own thoughts. Finally he broke the silence. "So … what do you want to do now? It's almost 2100."

What did Cloud want to do? How about nothing. He was so comfortable on Sephiroth's lap, having his head petted … his eyes had actually become heavy, he felt as though he could sleep for a week. "I … I guess I should be getting back to the dorm?" he mumbled.

"That sounded like a question," Seph said. "Here's your answer: fuck no. Stay here and I'll get you back in the morning in plenty of time." His hands began to roam, stroking Cloud's arms softly, sliding up and down on the smooth golden skin. He planted a kiss on Cloud's neck, behind his ear, and then nibbled on that ear. Immediately Cloud's breathing picked up.

"I'd … like that," he murmured, but was too shy to say any more. Those hands … it was like redemption, it was like suddenly finding out that you are safe after a time of peril. Relief and other, deeper, more interesting emotions flooded his heart. "S-Sephiroth …."

"Shhh," the older man said. "Just relax. Let me make it allll better."

A long tongue slid along the side of his neck as those hands caressed their way down Cloud's chest and belly. His stomach muscles twitched as Sephiroth's fingers grazed his skin while opening the button of his jeans, unzipping them and peeling the edges apart. Cloud's cock was hardening under his white boxer briefs, getting more erect by the second … he jumped and let out a helpless groan when those fingers stroked his member through the soft cotton material.

"Mmm," Sephiroth hummed in Cloud's ear.

"Ahhh," Cloud responded, back arching involuntarily as Sephiroth's right hand delved under the waistband of the briefs and pulled out Cloud's now fully-erect dick. A finger circled the head softly as Seph's left hand grasped the shaft in a relaxed fist.

"You have a nice color down here," Sephiroth whispered, beginning to stroke languidly, holding Cloud on his lap. "Look." There was a smile in his voice. He could see Cloud's intense shy embarrassment, his ears were bright red and his shoulders were hunched slightly. But he also knew he felt really, really good.

"Ah … nn," Cloud moaned softly, his hands moving to clutch at Sephiroth's forearms. God, it felt so good!

"Mm, and now you're getting all wet," Sephiroth said.

"You don't have to announce everything!" Cloud said, cringing but shivering with pleasure as the white-haired male smeared pre-seminal fluid all over that straining cock. He could feel Sephiroth's erection pressing against his ass, and with the realization he couldn't help wriggling against it – that felt good too!

"Don't worry about me … just go with it and feel good, baby," Seph whispered into his ear, licking and kissing it, blowing into it softly.

"Ah! Yes!"

"Mm," Sephiroth answered. He gently pried one of Cloud's hands off his arm and placed it on the younger male's cock, covering it with his own hand, making Cloud stroke himself. It only took three or four reps until the boy was doing it himself, moaning, lost in pleasure, embarrassment gone. So Sephiroth slid Cloud's t-shirt up and began playing with his nipples, running his fingers over them, pinching lightly, pulling gently.

"Y-yesss," Cloud hissed, his back arching, starting to get down to business as he jacked himself, swift strokes with a practiced right hand.

"Feel good baby?" Sephiroth said, nibbling Cloud's neck at that tender spot where it joins the shoulder.

"Yes! I'm … I'm going to … Ah! Ah! Sephiroth!" White cum spurted out of Cloud's twitching member as he moaned and shook with pleasure. Seph watched, kissing his neck, petting the blond, enjoying the show. "Nn! Ahh!"

So good. So good. Cloud rode it out, head back on Sephiroth's shoulder, shuddering and gasping.

"There," Seph said, placing more kisses along Cloud's neck as he collapsed backwards. "Mm, that was a good one," he said, a smile in his voice.

Still panting as he slowly came down, Cloud turned slightly and nuzzled his face into Sephiroth's neck. "You … I mean …." He was flagging fast, the long day full of gut-wrenching events having worn Cloud to a frazzle. "Thank—"

"If you thank me for that, I'm going to spank you," Sephiroth said. "Come on, baby … time for bed." He stood up, carrying Cloud bridal-style, and disappeared into the dark hallway that led to his bedroom.

XXX

End Chapter 25.

A/N – Reno's declaration of "I like you" to Rude must be taken in the Japanese definition of "like".

Thanks for reading! More to come!

Ahvienda