Finally… Finalllyyyyy…. Chapter 16 is out. I am so very sorry for the long wait. It took me a really, really, really long time to get all the points right. Plus, I was really busy with some personal stuffs and I was also hoping to finish editing the previous chapters but it looked like I didn't had the chance yet. :( Anyway, thanks for the support and your long wait is finally coming to an end. I am just as excited as you all are.

Shoutout to kuzovlea, Diannyx, Windwhirl and sortarah for your favs of the story. Really appreciate it.

A very, very huge thanks to Whitmo for your constant support and reviews. Every time when I was feeling lazy, I remember your support – and of course all my readers too – and somehow found the strength inside me to continue. :)

So this chapter is for the readers out there, once again, thank you very much for your support and stay tune for the next chapter.

Rufus glanced at the door with a small smile, lifting his glass to his lips daintily. When the footsteps completely died down, the edges of his lips flicked down. He swirled around in his white armchair, facing his bookcase as he swirled the blood-red wine around the glass.

"You can come out now," Rufus called out.

The bookcase opened with a slight creak as a figure dressed in black stepped out. Tseng dusted his uniform with a disapproving look. "How long hadn't the place been cleaned?" he asked stiffly, hiding the disdain in his voice.

Rufus shot him an amused look. "Long enough."

Tseng shook his head as he adjusted his tie, making sure it was dead centred. "I don't understand why you didn't just tell Sephiroth about–"

Rufus silenced him with a cold look.

Getting the message, Tseng immediately pursed his lips. Taking one last look from the reflection of the wine cabinet, he turned around to face Rufus.

"All in good time," Rufus said, continue to twirl the glass in his hand, enjoying the sight of the stain left by the wine on the glass before disappearing. "Don't you think it'll be a sweet reunion for them if he found out himself?"

The corners of Tseng's lip flicked down. "If you say so."

"Shouldn't you go back before Sephiroth gets suspicious?" Rufus raised an eyebrow at Tseng.

"I think he has more pressing matters on his mind rather than my presence," Tseng replied shortly.

Rufus shot him a long look. "It doesn't hurt to be careful."

"Understand." Tseng gave a light bow.

"Oh, and…" Rufus called out to Tseng who halted in his tracks. "Keep an eye on Cloud. I've a good feeling about that boy." The smirk on his face was even more prominent now.

Tseng gave another low bow and then he exited from the office.

xxxx

Sephiroth almost flew towards the helipad, his feet carrying himself as fast as he could – ever since he got dropped off by Rufus' driver – eager to return back to Shinra. Every second mattered. Tried as he might, his footsteps were slowed down by the fear that shackled him and the anxiety that filled his mind, weighing him down.

Cloud. He tried calling him but he didn't picked up. Why didn't he picked up? Was something wrong? He wanted to call Zack but then he stopped himself. No. Right now he didn't know who was part of the plot. He didn't want to raise the alarm. Not yet. Not until he got a clearer picture of what was going on.

Zack was Cloud's best friend and he was sure that he wouldn't bring any harm to him but… he didn't know who to trust now. Better to be safe than sorry. And yet, when he glanced down at his phone, his nerves were wounded tightly like pretzels, the fear choking him, suffocating him until he couldn't breath.

He wasn't worried about himself. He could protect himself well. But what about Cloud? Was he too late? Had something already happened to Cloud? The fear of losing Cloud filled every corner of his body, numbing him, clouding his senses.

And what about Angeal? Genesis?

They were his friends. They would never turn against him right? Right? He hated this feeling of unknown. It felt like he was blinded by darkness while everyone around him knew what was happening. Maybe some were even mocking him right now for his stupidity of leaving Cloud alone.

Suspicions and doubt poisoned his veins as he struggled to figure out his next step. How many were working against them? But it didn't matter, he would kill every single one of them if he had to. Nobody. Nobody would ever stand in the way between Cloud and him. He would never let that happened.

He slowed down his steps when he saw Tseng standing by the chopper, his long black hair billowing in the wind. Those black eyes were staring at him expectantly.

Sephiroth took a deep breath and forced himself to look normal, slowing down his footsteps. He needed to control himself.

"Everything okay?" Tseng asked, cocking his head to the side.

"Sorry for the long wait," Sephiroth muttered.

Tseng threw him an understanding look. "Loads to pack?"

Sephiroth grimaced. More like lots to pack inside his brain. "Let's go."

Tseng peered at him with concern. "Are you okay? You look a bit pale."

"I'm fine," Sephiroth snapped, recoiling slightly when he noticed the harsh tone he was using. He was losing every ounce of his self control. After all, who could in such a situation? But he had to.

He noticed the look that Tseng was giving him. Concern and curiosity. He couldn't had that. Sephiroth took another deep breath to compose himself. "Just tired," Sephiroth muttered.

Tseng brought his story. He nodded his head and turned his gaze away.

Sephiroth blew out his breath in relief.

He was about to take another step towards the chopper when he realised that Tseng was still rooted to the same spot, staring at the setting sun over the glorious amber sea with a faraway look in his eyes. "What a nice view. You hardly have the chance to see such a beautiful sunset in Midgar."

Sephiroth grunted noncommittally, controlling his urge to drag and throw Tseng into the chopper. He didn't care about the freaking sunset, he just want to go back quickly. When would Tseng move?

"At least we get to finish the mission early," Tseng said, tucking his hair behind his ear as he gripped the railing, getting ready to board the chopper. "The day is almost ending. Get some good rest."

Sephiroth could barely respond. For him, the day was just starting.

Bang!

Cloud bolted upright in shock, his eyes flew open in alarm. What happened? Was there an attack? His breath stuck in his throat. His mind was still drugged with sleep and all he could do was pulled the blankets tightly around himself like a protective shield.

Loud footsteps pounded against the floor and then the door was thrown open. He squinted his eyes, barely able to make out anything in the dark. All he could dimly made out was a shadow standing by the door with long flowing hair.

Sephiroth?

"Sephiroth?" he voiced out his thoughts, rubbing his eyes, trying to make himself more awake.

In a few quick strides, the shadow was right in front of him and he was pulled into a tight embrace, squeezing out all the air inside him.

"You're alright." His voice husky. Low. Anxious. "You're alright."

A warm sense of feeling overcame him. Sephiroth. It was him. He was finally back. But… Cloud froze. His words didn't make any sense. Shouldn't he be the one who was happy that Sephiroth was back? It wasn't like he was out risking his neck for the sake of the public.

Sephiroth pulled back so Cloud could finally breath again. Before he could get another good look at Sephiroth, he felt a clap on his shoulders.

"Why didn't you answer my call?" Sephiroth demanded, his voice lined with anguish. "Did anything happened to you?"

Why did he sounded so anxious? Did Sephiroth read the text he sent him? Cloud was having training that time. When he tried to call back, Sephiroth's phone was turned off. Did he somehow found out that Genesis kept hovering by his side? Was that what he meant? Maybe someone saw them and tipped him off. Shades of red crept over his cheeks. He felt like a guilty criminal caught in the act.

"I–"

"What happened? Who hurt you?" Sephiroth asked urgently, gripping him so tightly that his fingernails dug into his skin.

Cloud winced. "He didn't hurt me."

"Who?" Sephiroth froze. His voice barely above a whisper. Deadly. He had never heard of him using that tone before. Yes. Wait. He did. Once. That time… at the locker room. Cloud froze. Were they speaking on different topics?

Cloud winced again. "It hurts."

Sephiroth looked aghast then he quickly loosened his grip. "I'm sorry," Sephiroth murmured. "It's just…" Before Cloud could react, Sephiroth pulled him into another tight hug. "I'm so glad you're alright," Sephiroth murmured throatily, nuzzling the top of his hair with his chin. His voice cracking at the last word.

Cloud was fluttered into confusion. What happened? But he wasn't one to push Sephiroth away when he was being so passionate. Sephiroth hardly ever expressed himself after all. He closed his eyes, pressing his cheeks at the crook of Sephiroth's neck. Sephiroth was so warm. His long silver hair tickled his skin but the sensation felt familiar and soothing to the touch.

"Is everything okay?" he muttered shyly, feeling that it was his turn to say something.

Sephiroth tightened his grip around Cloud. "I'm fine now that you're here."

Cloud blushed deeply at those words. Those were just simple words, but hearing them from Sephiroth sent all the chocobos inside him running around excitedly. All the fears inside him flew away immediately. Nothing mattered now that Sephiroth was by his side. Nothing.

"I miss you," Cloud murmured into his chest.

"I miss you too."

Cloud tipped his head upwards to kiss Sephiroth on the lips. Sephiroth replied his kisses insistently. He wrapped his arms around Sephiroth's neck as he drowned in Sephiroth's kisses. For a long moment, both of them remained entwined like that in the darkness.

Then slowly, feeling out of breath, Cloud reluctantly pulled back. It had been so long. He wanted to take a good look at Sephiroth. Did he eat properly? Did he had enough rest? Cloud squirmed in his tight grip, struggling to move, but he was holding him in such a tight grip that he couldn't budge an inch.

"Sephiroth?"

"Just let me hug you like this," Sephiroth whispered, his breath hot by his ears. "Just like this."

His heart thumped slightly. He sounded so different… There was something off about his tone. But what?

Sephiroth tightened his arms around him. Cloud gave up. He stopped struggling, closed his eyes as he revelled in his warmth. Why was he thinking so much when Sephiroth was just right next to him? Wasn't this what he wanted? Being wrapped by these strong arms. Feeling protected. Loved. Wanted.

Cloud shook his head, shoving the nagging thoughts to the back of his mind. To his surprise, instead of ravaging him like Sephiroth usually would, Sephiroth merely hugged him tightly to sleep the whole night, almost like he was afraid that Cloud would disappear into thin air. Cloud wanted to stay awake. He wanted to talk to him, hear his deep rumbling voice as he talked about his mission, feel the comfortable way his hand moved in circles on the small of his back.

And yet his eyes… they were so heavy…

So heavy…

Ffff…

His eyes suddenly flew open. It was the second time tonight. Cloud looked around, trying to find the source of his disturbance. Aah. It was the sound of curtains ruffling by the wind. He thought he closed the window before he slept. Dreamily, he glanced towards the window where the curtains flew around a lone figure standing under a pool of gentle moonlight which seemed to be shining only for him.

Strange.

A mask of pain, agony and wretchedness shrouded those sharp defined features, marring Sephiroth's perfect face. There was a forlorn, faraway look in those burning green eyes. So painful that it hurt.

Cloud wanted to reach out a hand to hug him, to wipe that sadness away from the beautiful face. He wanted to look longer, to enjoy the view of Sephiroth but his eyelids felt so heavy and before long, darkness stole over him again.

The next time he opened his eyes, the room was flooded with sunlight. Cloud sat upright slowly, rubbing his eyes, trying to adjust to the bright light. He turned to the other side of the bed, expecting to see Sephiroth but it was empty.

"Sephiroth?"

No answer.

He was all alone.

The happiness inside him deflated like a balloon, filled with disappointment instead. Was last night merely a dream? But it felt so real. His warmth. His light fragrance which still seemed to linger in the room. His gentle touches which sent all the chocobos inside his heart pit-pattered away eagerly.

Cloud let out a soft groan, pulling his pillow over and hugging it tightly. Imagining that it was Sephiroth he was hugging. Was it because he missed him too much? Was that why he had that dream? Dreams were supposed to reflect a person's inner desires after all.

His heart gave a pang. When was Sephiroth finally coming back? Slowly, he climbed down from the bed. Well, the dream was good while it lasted. Then he stopped short. There was a black duffel bag on the table. It wasn't there the night before. His heart started beating so fast that he thought his heart was going to burst out from his chest.

Sephiroth's back for real!

But where was he?

Cloud climbed back to the bed and picked up the blanket, sniffling it. His eyes fluttered close with a small smile. Mmm. Sephiroth's scent. He glanced around the bedroom, trying to discern for any tell-tale sound. None. Maybe he had some unfinished business so he had to leave first. Oh well, he would see him soon anyway. He could barely keep the smile away from his face.

If Sephiroth was back for real, then does this meant that the sad look he glimpsed last night was also real? The smile on his face slid away. Why did Sephiroth looked so sad? Did something happened? Then he shook his head. Why was he still thinking about that? He needed to quickly clean himself up. Sephiroth might be waiting for him at the cafeteria right now.

His footsteps were light as he skipped towards the cafeteria, looking forward to the sweet reunion. He was just about to turn a corner when he heard someone speaking in low angry voice –

"Are you part of it?!"

It sounded like Sephiroth. And he sounded furious.

There was low reassuring whispers but Cloud couldn't identify the speaker.

"Don't try to change the topic," Sephiroth growled.

More low murmurs.

Why did he sounded so mad? What was going on? Cloud's heart throbbed painfully, like something bad was happening. Although he couldn't quite put his finger to the problem, he was feeling pretty uncomfortable. He didn't know what to do. He was also very curious about who Sephiroth was talking to.

Cloud couldn't take it anymore, he craned his neck around the corner to peek. His mouth nearly dropped wide open. Sephiroth and Genesis were the only ones standing in the corridor. And Sephiroth was pining Genesis against the wall, one hand on the wall as he towered above him, his lips curling up angrily by the side.

Even so, Genesis continued to smile at him unnervingly.

Sephiroth leaned in closer to Genesis, snapping something harshly under his breath.

The smile on Genesis' face merely widened.

Cloud was about to take a step back when Genesis suddenly glanced towards his direction.

Their gazes locked.

Cloud quickly pulled his head back, his face screwed up in embarrassment, his heart pumping furiously. Oh no. He was found out. What should he do? He wanted to run away but his legs had somehow turned to lead. Before he could even turn, someone tapped him lightly on his shoulder.

"Thought I saw you," Genesis greeted him with a Cheshire cat smile.

Sephiroth was standing right behind him, the scowl still evident on his face, reflecting the tension from their discussion.

At the sight of him, Cloud immediately leapt away from Genesis, keeping a clear distance. But to his surprise, Sephiroth didn't even looked bothered, in fact, he wasn't even looking at his direction. His features were clenched up tightly like he mulling something. Similar to how he looked last night.

Cloud's heart skipped a beat.

"Well, since everyone's here, why don't we go get some breakfast?" Genesis asked cheerfully, linking his arms around Cloud.

Before Cloud could say a word, he was whisked away by Genesis while Sephiroth remained rooted to the spot, those cat-like green eyes shrouded with dark clouds.

This was nothing like the happy reunion he expected.

Although the five of them were finally grouped around a table, an ominous silence hung over the crowd like they were eating at a funeral.

"So have anyone been to the slums?" Zack asked with a bright smile.

He was the only one able to do so.

As expected, nobody responded.

Zack shrugged his shoulders like he was showing that he had already tried his best. To be fair, it was already his fourth attempt in trying to start a conversation. He took out his phone and began to type furiously, popping a piece of his fry into his mouth with his other hand.

It wasn't like Cloud didn't want to support him. He was just too afraid to speak up. Something was awfully different about Sephiroth. But what? Was Sephiroth mad at him because he didn't keep his promise to him? Was that why he didn't wait for him this morning? And was that why he was interrogating Genesis?

A moment later, Angeal's phone beeped and he took it out, reading it before typing quickly then he stowed away the phone. Sephiroth looked like he was trying to destroy the plate from the forceful way he stabbed his food. Cloud wouldn't be surprise if the plate cracked in half. No, he should be more surprised that it didn't. He lowered his head and took a bite before turning slightly to the side to glance at Genesis.

Genesis looked like he was having the time of his life as he took a bite of his meal daintily, glancing around, bobbing his head to an invisible melody. Then his gaze flickered towards him and their gazes locked for the second time today.

Damn. How did Genesis always knew that he was looking at him? He quickly ducked his head, so he couldn't see the shade of rose creeping up his face.

He chanced another glance at Sephiroth to gauge his reaction. Did the frown on his face deepened? Was it because he saw the exchange between Genesis and him? Did he suspected that something was up? Cloud's hands were now wet with sweat and he nearly dropped his own fork.

No no. He should stop imagining things. He lowered his attention back down on his plate of mashed potatoes, calming himself down by moving the wet mushy stuff around his plate. He didn't had any appetite to eat. There was just too much on his mind. Genesis' words kept replaying in his mind like a broken record. He didn't want to believe Genesis. He wanted to keep having faith in those around him. But the way things were going… was Genesis really on to something?

Sephiroth was unexpectedly friendly yesterday but today, he was as cold as ice. Colder than ever. And Cloud didn't even know what he did wrong.

Was it like as Genesis said? That people did changed? Looked at Genesis. It had never struck him that he would become someone so cold towards him? Like he did that time with him. What if Sephiroth turned as cold and mean as Genesis?

What if Genesis was right? That he never truly understood Sephiroth. That he was only showing Cloud one side of him? The side he wanted Cloud to see. Cloud kept glancing at Sephiroth, hoping to catch his gaze, wishing for a smile from him so he would know that everything was alright but he never once looked in his direction.

Angeal cleared his throat, cutting through the awkward silence.

"How's the trip, Sephiroth?" After what felt like eons, Angeal finally spoke up.

"Enlightening," Sephiroth snorted but he didn't offer much explanation.

Angeal rose one eyebrow but he didn't push the topic further and he continued his meal in silence.

Zack lifted his head happily like he was going to say something when Sephiroth suddenly stood up, his chair making a loud creaking sound.

"A word with you," Sephiroth beckoned to Genesis.

Genesis' playful smile lost a touch of his playfulness. Just a touch before the wide smile was back. "Missing me already?"

Cloud didn't knew how Genesis had the guts to say that. If he was the one Sephiroth was giving that look, he would be running for his life right now, crying for forgiveness even though he had no idea what he did wrong.

Sephiroth's forehead twitched slightly, then he picked up his tray, hinting Genesis to do the same.

Cloud wanted to follow after them but before he could, Sephiroth laid a heavy hand on his shoulder.

"Stay here. I'll be back soon." His tone was so final that Cloud had no choice but to sit back down. His eyes followed after their departing backs longingly, dying to hear their conversation. They didn't seemed to be speaking to one another as they dumped their trays, heading towards the door together, cutting off his sight of them.

Sephiroth seemed… different ever since his mission to Junon. He wanted to know what happened. Why did he suddenly changed? Or was he already sick of him? It sure didn't felt that way last night but he couldn't be sure.

His hands curled tightly on his lap. He still remembered what happened last time when those two were alone – fighting against one another until someone got hurt. He never wanted anything like that again.

"Those two look tense," Zack said with a low whistle.

Cloud turned back to see Zack's anxious face. So he wasn't the only one who thought something was wrong. He knew it. Something really was off.

"Hey!" Zack suddenly cried loudly, alarming Cloud who half expected a monster to appear at the cafeteria or something worse than that. To his surprise, Zack was gazing at Zack with a wounded expression.

Angeal was chewing on something with a smile.

"That's mine!" Zack cried out childishly.

"You seemed too busy to eat," Angeal said good-humouredly, reaching out for another fry.

Zack pushed all his fries into one corner, keeping them far away from Angeal. "Keep your hands off my fries."

Cloud couldn't help cracking a small smile. Well, at least those two acted normal. Cloud stood up, picking up his tray, making up his mind to follow after Sephiroth. If he was caught, he would just come up with an excuse, like he had something important to tell Sephiroth. He would just have to come up with the excuse when he was chasing after them.

"Where are you going, Spiky?" Zack asked, looking at him in surprise.

"I–I need to do something," Cloud muttered, not wanting to give anything away. He trusted Zack but Angeal was very close with Sephiroth after all. Too close.

Angeal was glancing at him thoughtfully, like he could read his mind. He nodded his head surreptitiously and then he gave Cloud a supportive smile.

Was he overthinking things or was Angeal letting on more than he knew?

To be continued…

With suspicions and doubt shrouding this party, what would become of their friendship? Was a betrayer among them? And what would happen to Genesis and Sephiroth? Did Angeal knew something too?

Stay tune to find out.

Thanks for reading and kindly leave a review behind if you like the story.

P.S. Please pardon me if I made some mistakes because I rushed to complete this in a half inebriated state.